Former boss in City’s sights

– Pep Guardiola faces Manuel Pellegrini – his predecessor as Manchester City manager – this weekend with his defending Premier League champions on course to smash even more records.

While City go to West Ham with only a two-point lead at the top of the table, Guardiola’s side has nevertheless looked even more impressive than they were 12 months ago.

City average exactly three goals per game and are on course to better last season’s Premier League records of 100 points and 106 goals for the whole campaign.

However, Guardiola has somee concerns ahead of the meeting with Pellegrini’s side, with leftback Benjamin Mendy having been ruled out for several weeks after undergoing knee surgery.

With the Frenchman out, Fabian Delph, who captained England from midfield this week, is the likely replacement, having performed that role superbly for much of last season.

But the more pressing concern is influential playmaker Bernardo Silva, who left the Portuguese national squad this week with an unspecified injury.

City were awaiting medical reports before taking a decision on team selection. –

Manchester