This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man City Predicted Lineup vs. West Ham: Cherki Primed to Continue Red-Hot Form. Manchester City know they can be top of the pile come Christmas if they beat West Ham United and Arsenal slip up to Everton on Saturday night.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed City will be without four key players against West Ham United. Rodri, John Stones and Jeremy Doku were all absent for the midweek win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup – and remain sidelined for Saturday’s Premier League game.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke about his future at the club ahead of Saturday's Premier League game with West Ham.

Demanding coach Pep Guardiola called out two of his Manchester City players that “didn’t do the job” when booking a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Blues remain in the hunt for more domestic silverware after picking up a comfortable 2-0 victory over Premier League rivals Brentford in the last eight.

The City midfielder was substituted in the 19th minute and went straight down the tunnel during the Carabao Cup game.

Manchester City take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Manchester United's continuing quest to climb into the top four heads to the home of surprising Premier League title fighters Aston Villa on Sunday.