Manchester City predicted line-up v West Ham as Pep Guardiola faces dilemma over six players - gallery

Pep Guardiola could name an unchanged XI for the third week in a row when Manchester City take on West Ham United on Saturday.

The City boss started with the same 11 players against Ipswich Town as he named to face Chelsea six days prior. There could be a sense of reluctance from Guardiola to change a winning side when City travel to the London Stadium, especially given those who have played in the last two weeks should be fitter at this early stage of the season.

But he might have extra options this weekend with Rodri back in training and Phil Foden expected to return. The latter missed the Ipswich game through illness, while Rodri has not been involved this term due to an injury he sustained in the Euro 2024 final.

The Spaniard is unlikely to be available from the off at the London Stadium after seven weeks out, but Foden could be an option if Guardiola opts to make changes. Jack Grealish is another option in the wide areas and he came on in last week’s 4-1 win over the Tractor Boys.

In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan could also be handed a first start since re-signing for City. Like Grealish, he was handed 20 minutes off the bench at the Etihad last Saturday.

Meanwhile, in defence, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Nathan Ake are still awaiting their first starts of the new season. The decision for Guardiola, may be determined by whether he wants to improve the general fitness levels or still with those who have impressed in recent weeks. Here’s the XI we think he’ll name against West Ham…