Manchester City vs. West Ham 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

By now, Manchester City would've been hoping to be several points clear at the top of the Premier League table. After all, they boast what is probably the strongest squad in the entire division. In reality, Manuel Pellegrini's side find themselves down in third place, a point in arrears of both Arsenal and Leicester City, having also been dogged by a peculiar inconsistency. If they're to stand any chance of leapfrogging their title rivals to the Premier League's summit this weekend, they're going to have to pick up a point or three away at West Ham United.

That's a task easier said than done, with the Hammers enjoying a wonderful campaign under Premier League managerial debutant Slaven Bilić. The Croatian's fine leadership has given West Ham a very real chance of qualifying for the Europa League, with attractive, intelligent football. They've only been beaten twice in front of their home fans so far this season, and City should be heading to London's East End for Saturday's late kickoff expecting a very difficult match.

Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)

Had Argentine striker Sergio Agüero not suffered with his usual injury problems for much of the season so far, Manchester City may by now have been cruising to the title. As it is, Agüero has made two fewer appearances than City's backup striker Wilfried Bony, and has tellingly scored over twice as many goals. He's a cut above any other forward plying their trade in England, and if he manages to stay fit for the remainder of the campaign, it'll boost the Blues' title hopes enormously.

Recent history

Manchester City went through a five-year phase from September 2009 to October 2014 in which they played West Ham 10 times in all competitions, winning eight, drawing two, and losing none. However, in line with the Hammers' resurgence over the last couple of seasons, City have actually lost two of the last three of these sides' meetings. That means depending on how 'recent' you're looking, the recent history between these teams can give either club the edge.

West Ham United injuries and suspensions

Out: Andy Carroll (knock); Diafra Sakho (hamstring); Manuel Lanzini (thigh). In doubt: None.

Manchester City injuries and suspensions

Out: Samir Nasri (hamstring); Vincent Kompany (calf). In doubt: Eliaquim Mangala(hamstring); Aleksandar Kolarov (calf); Fernandinho (knock).

The Hammers have three attacking absentees, though the injuries to strikers Carroll and Sakho are rather less frustrating than the one sustained by playmaker Lanzini, who was one of the Hammers' top performers through the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, City will still be without captain Kompany, while attacking midfielder Nasri continues to recover from hamstring surgery he had in November. Defenders Mangala and Kolarov are both doubts, though Fernandinho is expected to be included in the matchday squad after recovering from a knock.

Match date/time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local

Venue: Upton Park, London, England

TV: NBC (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); Sportsnet One (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)

Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK).

Nasri determined to fight for his Man City future

The Frenchman, who will miss the majority of the season due to a serious tendon injury, is happy at the club despite having been identified as a likely candidate to leave.

Samir Nasri is determined to stay and fight for his Manchester City future despite his growing status as the club's forgotten man, Goal has learned.

The Frenchman struggled to break into Manuel Pellegrini's first team at the start of the season following the summer arrivals of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne for a combined outlay of close to £100 million.

Nasri had started two matches - one in the Premier League and one in the Champions League - and was largely restricted to late substitute appearances before being struck down with a tendon injury which will keep him on the sidelines for around six months.



He is also likely to be removed from City's Champions League squad for the knockout stages, which must be declared by February 2, as Pellegrini looks to increase the pool of players from which he can choose. Kelechi Iheanacho, the 19-year-old Nigerian, is currently favourite to take Nasri's place having missed out on being involved in the group stages.

Pellegrini has consistently played down the chances of signing any players in January, but has admitted that there is a chance somebody could arrive to fill the hole left by Nasri.

Many supporters had expected him to be moved on during the summer, especially given the likely arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium and the possibility of a squad overhaul.

But sources close to the 28-year-old indicate he has no plans to leave as he believes the new contract he signed in 2014, which runs for another three-and-a-half years, is a sign of the club's commitment.
The former Arsenal man is happy with Pellegrini - the Chilean always refers to Nasri in his press conferences when giving injury updates - but is said to be excited by the prospect of working with Guardiola, should the Catalan coach take up residence in Manchester this summer.

City, however, are set to ramp up their recruitment drive at the end of the season having already spent around £170m in 2015.

Paul Pogba and Lionel Messi are among the top-end targets on the club's wishlist, while the likes of Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Schalke starlet Leroy Sane have been linked with January moves but are more likely to be pursued in the summer.

In fact, a number of players are said to have been identified by Guardiola already, with newspapers across Europe linking the club with deals for Alexis Sanchez, Ilkay Gundogan, Neymar, Ander Herrera and David Alaba, who are all said to be favourites of the Bayern Munich boss.