(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Fri 13 March 2026 17:10, UK

West Ham might finally catch a break from getting torn apart by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland this Saturday.

The Norwegian has scored 11 goals in seven games against the Irons since arriving in the Premier League, and has an annoyingly good record at the London Stadium.

It’s not known how Nuno Espirito Santo will set up to take on Man City, but one thing is for sure, and that is that Hammers fans will be hoping for a result.

West Ham are trying to stay up, and Nuno will take any advantage he can get at this stage of the season, and none may come bigger than not having to face Haaland.

Pep Guardiola may save Erling Haaland for Real Madrid tie again

Nuno is expected to make changes from the side that beat Brentford in the FA Cup on Monday, as the West Ham boss looks to make it five wins from eight in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola has had to play coy in his press conferences of late to keep opponents guessing over the inclusion of Haaland.

The Nordic giant has reportedly been struggling with an injury recently, and consequently, was left out of City’s starting lineup for only the second time this season last time out in the league.

• Haaland has not scored in just one match against West Ham since 2022
• He has a 100% win record against the Hammers

Guardiola did, however, play the 25-year-old in his side’s 3-0 midweek Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, with the second leg set to take place next Tuesday.

There’s a good chance that the Hammers finally get a break from their worst Premier League opponent in recent years, with City needing him fit again for their make-or-break second leg against Madrid.

Regardless, the Hammers will need to be up to the task of defending other world-class players that Guardiola has ready to hurt them at the London Stadium.

What has Pep Guardiola said about Haaland?

Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s trip to the London Stadium, Guardiola was quizzed on the potential inclusion of Haaland.

A reporter asked: “Can we just check with Erling [Haaland]? He has missed a few games recently. Will he be okay to play?”

In typical Guardiola style, he replied with a blunt, “Yes”. But as most Premier League fans know, the Spaniard isn’t always sincere about his team selection answers before a game.

He could be included on the bench, but the likelihood of Haaland starting may all depend on what the Man City boss values more, Champions League or Premier League success.

If the striker is absent, there’s no real reason why Nuno can’t coach the Irons to what would be a significant victory.