Sergio Aguero returned as Manchester City looked to wrap up the Barclays Premier League title against West Ham.
The Argentinian striker, the club’s top scorer this season, overcame a groin injury to lead the line as City looked for the point they needed to pip Liverpool to the crown at the Etihad Stadium.
Aguero’s return for James Milner was the only change from the side that beat Aston Villa 4-0 in midweek.
Victory for West Ham could potentially provide Liverpool a title lifeline and the Londoners’ under-fire boss Sam Allardyce included two ex-Reds in Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing, and a fan in Kevin Nolan. Another former Liverpool player, Joe Cole, was on the bench.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov, Silva, Toure, Javi Garcia, Nasri, Aguero, Dzeko. Subs: Lescott, Milner, Negredo, Clichy, Fernandinho, Pantilimon, Jovetic.
West Ham: Adrian, Reid, Tomkins, O’Brien, McCartney, Noble, Diame, Downing, Nolan, Taylor, Carroll. Subs: Jarvis, Armero, Vaz Te, Collins, Jaaskelainen, Carlton Cole, Joe Cole.
Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)