Man City wary of Hammer blow with PL title in touching distance
Man City manager Pep Guardiola talks to Phil Foden during a Premier League match against Wolves, Wolverhampton, England, May 11, 2022. (Reuters Photo)


Manchester City travels to West Ham United on Sunday for a game that could see Pep Guardiola's men put one hand, and perhaps a few fingers as well, on a fourth Premier League title in five years.

With rivals Liverpool playing Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, the leaders could surge six points clear at the top with one game remaining and a significantly superior goal difference.

Liverpool is back in league action at 15th placed Southampton on Tuesday in what is already a must-win clash if the following Sunday's final round is to offer any hope of a last-gasp shock.

City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who banged four past Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 5-1 win Wednesday night, has called for caution even if his side needs only four points from its last two games.

"West Ham have had a great season and played really well," said the Belgian.

"It is their last home game of the season so we know it will be a tough one. We don't have a lot of players – it is about commitment, but it is going to be hard."

The Hammers are, with Leicester City, one of only two teams to have beaten Liverpool in the league this season – winning 3-2 last November at the London Stadium – and also still have something to play for.

Manchester United, who has played one game more, is three points ahead in sixth place and occupying the last slot for the Europa League group stages.

West Ham knocked City out of the League Cup in the fourth round earlier this season after a penalty shootout but has not beaten it in the league since 2015.

The match is also a home farewell, in a competitive match, to the fans for captain Mark Noble after 22 years at the East London club.

City has injury concerns over Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho after Wednesday's game.

The focus will also be on the final relegation slot, with Leeds United in danger of joining Watford and Norwich in the Championship next season after a 3-0 home mauling by Chelsea on Wednesday.

Leeds is at home to ninth-placed Brighton while Burnley, ahead only on goal difference but with a game in hand, is at Tottenham Hotspur who is chasing a Champions League slot.

Everton, two points clear of Leeds and Burnley and edging away from what would be its first relegation since 1951, is at home to Brentford.

Watford hosts Leicester City with departing manager Roy Hodgson saying farewell to the fans in the club's last home match.