[(Manchester City F.C.) Strength]:
1. Manchester City F.C. currently sit 2nd in the Premier League table, locked in a fierce title race with leaders Arsenal F.C. Facing West Ham United F.C. at home this round, Manchester City aim to secure all three points to extend their winning streak and keep the pressure firmly on the league leaders.
2. Manchester City F.C.'s form at home has been dominant, serving as their most reliable source of points. In eight home league matches this season, they have recorded a staggering 7 wins and only 1 defeat, boasting a home win rate of nearly 90%.
3. Manchester City F.C. showed multiple scorers on offense lately. In the last 6 games, they scored 18 goals, with an average of 3 goals per game.
4. Manchester City F.C. won the last 6 Premier League encounters against West Ham United F.C. and are on a 9-game winning streak against the latter at home.
5. Manchester City F.C. won the last 5 games across all competitions and 8 of the last 10 home games in AH.

[(Manchester City F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Manchester City F.C.'s starting winger Jeremy Doku is sidelined with a muscle issue and is expected to be out until January. Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri remain long-term absentees. Furthermore, full-back Rayan Ait Nouri and forward Omar Marmoush have both been called up for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
2. Manchester City F.C. have intensive fixtures, essentially playing every three days due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup mid-week. Although they overcame Brentford, multiple starters were heavily involved, placing significant strain on the squad's physical reserves and stamina.
3. Manchester City F.C. conceded 8 goals in the last 6 league games, averaging over 1 goal per game, boasting unstable defense.

[(West Ham United F.C.) Strength]:
1. West Ham United F.C. scored 9 goals in the previous 6 games and had 5 goals in the previous 4 away matches, showcasing an improvement in attack.
2. West Ham United F.C. won 5 of the last 7 games and the previous 3 away matches in AH.

[(West Ham United F.C.) Weakness]:
1. After 16 rounds, West Ham United F.C. find themselves in a precarious position, sitting third from bottom and three points away from safety. Facing the powerhouses Manchester City F.C. away from home, their tactical objective is complex and daunting. It is highly probable that their primary goal will be to sit deep and defend resolutely to secure a single point, with little expectation of a full-throttle pursuit of a win.
2. West Ham United F.C. defenders Aaron Wan Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf have been called up for international duty. Additionally, fellow defender Oliver Scarles and veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski are both ruled out due to injury.
3. West Ham United F.C. conceded 11 goals in the last 6 games and 32 goals in 16b matches this season, with an average of 2 goals per game. Their weak defense puts them deep in the relegation zone.
4. West Ham United F.C. achieved 1 win, 4 draws, and 3 losses in 8 away games this season, with an away win rate of less than 20%, showcasing poor away performances.
5. In the last 6 games, West Ham United F.C. recorded only 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses, with a win rate of less than 20%, putting them on the verge of the relegation zone.
6. West Ham United F.C. have lost 9 away encounters against Manchester City F.C. since 2016. They also suffered 8 defeats in the last 10 Premier League encounters.

[Tips]:
West Ham United F.C.'s s recent away form has shown signs of recovery.

They have adopted a pragmatic counter-attack strategy against top-tier sides like Manchester United F.C. and Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., which yielded positive results.

They will almost certainly employ a similar low-block defense against Manchester City F.C., looking for clinical moments on the break.

On the other side, Manchester City are heavily burdened by a congested fixture, with starters facing significant fatigue.

Although there was some rotation in their mid-week Carabao Cup tie against Brentford, starters like Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, and Nico O'Reilly were still heavily involved, which may dampen their sharpness in this league game.

Although Man City historically dominate this matchup and the AH line is -2.00 for the home side, caution is advised regarding Man City's injury list and physical exhaustion.

Thus, West Ham are expected to at least win in AH on the road.

[Recommended]:
Manchester City F.C. (-2)