West Ham United v Manchester City - Follow LIVE text commentary

09 May 2010 16:00
West Ham United v Manchester City

Follow every kick as West Ham United take on Manchester City at Upton Park in the Premier League
on 09-May-2010, kick off time 16:00

West Ham United v Manchester City Live


Manchester City's season was all but ended on Wednesday night by Tottenham Hotspur as the 1-0 defeat to the Londoners crushed their Champions League qualification aspirations. Roberto Mancini's men have to settle for a Europa League place next term but, before they think about their end of season break, they face a tricky final day trip to West Ham United on Sunday. The midweek loss to Harry Redknapp's men was a bitter blow for the big-spending Citizens and they will want to offer their hurt fans some late cheer at Upton Park. Gianfranco Zola and his under-performing Hammers will also be seeking a win as they bid farewell to their supporters for another season. However, they might find a triumph hard to come by. They have picked up just two wins from their previous 12 league games and 25 goals have been leaked during this spell. City's recent mediocre form has ultimately proved their downfall. Defeats at the City of Manchester Stadium against Everton and Manchester United, a draw at Arsenal and their Spurs aberration has stymied their progress and an accumulation of 13 points from a possible 24 has not been sufficient in their quest for a top-four finish. Jack Collison and Zavon Hines (both knee), James Tomkins (ankle), Kieron Dyer (hamstring) and Herita Ilunga (calf) are still missing and won't return until the pre-season. Mancini may opt to rest Gareth Barry, who returned to the starting line-up against Spurs after a hamstring complaint, while Stephen Ireland (ankle), Stuart Taylor (knee) and Shay Given (dislocated shoulder) are some way from a return. Long-term knee victims Michael Johnson and Martin Petrov are still unavailable but England defender Joleon Lescott (hamstring) is closing in on a comeback. Earlier in the season, it was City who collected all three points in the corresponding fixture last September. Under the guidance of Mark Hughes then, City opened up a fourth minute lead through former Hammer Carlos Tevez. However, the floodgates didn't open and it was Carlton Cole who deflected Radoslav Kovac's effort beyond Given. Bulgaria winger Petrov restored City's lead and Tevez grabbed his second on the hour to seal the win.

Source: DSG