‘If we drop points, it will be over’

The dazzlingly fast race for trophies in European football has brought Manchester City, just a few days after their heavy defeat in Madrid against Real Madrid (3–0), face to face with a hungry London lion—West Ham United F.C. In practical terms, the Citizens have barely shaken off their Madrid hangover and already have to fight another important battle, this time in the Premier League, where they trail the leaders Arsenal F.C. by seven points, albeit with a game in hand. But this is a match in which both West Ham and Manchester City have only one goal—to win points, no matter how. West Ham have a chance that could lift them out of the danger zone with three points and move them ahead of Nottingham Forest F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur F.C., who play their matches on Sunday.

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Manchester City are in a state of high alert. The collapse at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has seriously jeopardized their chances of winning a European trophy, especially with the huge task ahead of overturning a three-goal deficit in a few days. At the same time, in the Premier League they can no longer afford a single mistake, because the remaining nine matches of the championship represent a kind of minefield that could cost them dearly in the race with Arsenal F.C.

"Now it's West Ham. The Premier League is the most difficult title. We're still there, knowing that if we drop points it will be over. I've always said when we arrive in the last 10 games every team plays for something-for relegation, for Europa League, for Conference League, for Champions League, to be champions. It's normal, every game. Now there are no second chances" said Pep Guardiola ahead of the game.

England clubs in danger of losing Champions League additional place

The Spaniard was heavily criticized in the media for the 3-0 loss to Real and his squad selection. He was asked again about it and gave an almost five minute response! In short:

"It is a pleasure to be here. Last season we could not reach this stage, so it is nice. This is not the first time I've been hurt. I've lost many times in the Champions League at all stages - many, many, many times - and have been massacred for decisions and what happened. My argument or reason to justify the team selection - it's because I lost, we lost the game. But if you win, ah, 'genius'. How many times have I heard, 'Pep is a genius' for the team selection?" he said.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 30

Saturday

18.00: (4.20) Burnley (3.75) Bournemouth (1.90)

18.00: (3.40) Sunderland (3.30) Brighton (2.30)

20.30: (1.38) Arsenal (4.60) Everton (9.00)

20.30: (1.85) Chelsea (4.10) Newcastle (4.00)

23.00: (4.90) West Ham (3.60) Man.City (1.75)

Sunday

17.00: (2.50) Crystal Palace (3.25) Leeds (2.90)

17.00: (1.80) Man.Utd. (4.00) Aston Villa (4.50)

17.00: (2.25) Nott.Forest (3.50) Fulham (3.40)

19.30: (1.33) Liverpool (5.50) Tottenham (8.50)

Monday

23.00: (1.60) Brentford (3.90) Wolverhampton (5.80)

***odds are subject to change***