Not many are giving West Ham United any hope of a result against champions-elect Manchester City on Saturday.
West Ham Lingard clause issue rears its ugly head but Hammers have hope
West Ham have a poor record against Man City over the years.
But David Moyes’s men managed a 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola’s side in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium.
Since then, though, Man City have elevated their game to another level.
West Ham face daunting task to stop Man City making it 20 wins on the spin
And the daunting nature of West Ham’s task is made clear by the fact Man City are going in search of their 20th consecutive victory when the two sides meet in the Saturday lunchtime kick off.
West Ham sit fourth in the Premier League after the 2-1 win over Spurs last time out.
Pundits and fans have been having their say on whether the east Londoners can stay there and qualify for the Champions League come what May.
Most seem in agreement it will prove a stretch too far.
Others feel Moyes can guide them to something special in this wide open season.
Some Hammers fans worry a heavy defeat could derail Champions League dream
Some West Ham fans are worried a heavy defeat at the Etihad could derail their campaign.
But regardless of Saturday’s result, West Ham can take comfort from the fact Man City’s terrifying form could actually be good news for them.
City’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night put them well on the way to the last eight of the Champions League.
Man City are favourites to win Europe’s elite competition.
And the fact they are in such imperious form at the business end of the season is good for West Ham for two reasons.
But terrifying Man City form could be great news for West Ham in more ways than one
After West Ham, Man City still have to play six of West Ham’s seven rivals for a top four spot before the end of the season.
So even if the Hammers do succumb to Guardiola’s brilliant side on Saturday, there is hope points will be dropped by others when they face them too.
But perhaps more interesting for West Ham fans is the very real possibility that City will make good on their promise of finally winning the Champions League.
If Man City win the Champions League they would automatically qualify for next season’s competition as holders.
That would push their spot obtained via the Premier League down to fifth place.
The same would be true if Chelsea or Liverpool went on to win the competition and finish in the top four – but that is a more unlikely scenario.
Debate has raged over West Ham’s top four credentials.
But with the form Moyes’s side have showed this season, fifth place – usually good enough for a Europa League spot – is certainly within reach.
And thanks to Man City that could well yield a dream Champions League spot.
West Ham finish the season with a home game against Southampton on May 23rd.
There are plenty of ifs and buts before then. But if the Hammers do end up finishing fifth and Man City are in the final of the Champions League on May 29th, West Ham will face an anxious six-day wait to discover their fate.
Didn’t like Moyes’ Frank admission as Rio delivers verdict on West Ham’s top four hopes
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
