Early team news: Phil Foden starts and injured player returns for Manchester City vs West Ham (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City welcome West Ham to the Etihad Stadium in the first game of 2025 as they aim to kick-off the New Year in the best way possible with a much-needed three points.

Having come through a torrid run of form stretching across November and throughout December, Pep Guardiola and his players managed to round off a historic 2024 with victory in their final game of the year.

Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland either side of the half-time interval wrapped up three points on the road at Leicester City, despite periods where the Foxes would present an onslaught on Stefan Ortega’s goal, with the stopper holding out to maintain a clean sheet.

West Ham come into a tough test against the reigning Premier League champions off the back of a heavy defeat to the current league leaders, as Mohamed Salah and his Liverpool teammates ran riot at the London Stadium in a 0-5 victory.

Pep Guardiola continues to face fitness challenges throughout his squad, and joining Rodri and Oscar Bobb on the treatment table remain the central defensive pairing of Ruben Dias and John Stones.

In a boost to Guardiola’s options, Ederson and Matheus Nunes have both returned to first-team training in the last few days, although it remains to be seen whether they are late inclusions in this weekend’s action.

Ahead of the confirmed team news from the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, some initial information has began to filter throughout social media from journalists and sources regarding Manchester City’s starting line-up.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski and Joe Bray, Phil Foden starts for Manchester City against West Ham United, whilst Matheus Nunes returns to the matchday squad following injury.

However, all of Ederson, Ruben Dias, and John Stones all remain absent through their own lack of fitness and injury issues, remaining away from the first-team contingent alongside longer-term absentees in Rodri and Oscar Bobb.

Pep Guardiola and Julen Lopetegui are expected to confirmed their respective Manchester City and West Ham starting line-ups around 13:45 (UK) on Saturday.

NOW CONFIRMED.