Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's early kickoff in the Premier League as high-flying West Ham United welcome champions Manchester City to Upton Park. We should have some team news through for you shortly.

MAN CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Clichy; Toure, Fernando, Navas, Silva; Aguero, Dzeko

MAN CITY SUBS: Caballero, Kolarov, Demichelis, Sagna, Fernandinho, Jovetic, Milner

Following on from his side's chastening 2-2 draw away to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League in midweek, Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini has made two changes to his starting XI as Gael Clichy and Jesus Navas replace Aleksandar Kolarov and James Milner, who drop to the bench.

WEST HAM: Adrian; Jenkinson, Collins, Reid, Cresswell; Noble, Song, Amalfitano, Downing; Valencia, Sakho

WEST HAM SUBS: Jaaskelainen, Kouyate, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Poyet, Cole, Nolan

As expected, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has named an unchanged side in the wake of last weekend's 3-1 win over Burnley. Mark Noble continues to captain the team in midfield, while Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho remain up front. Elsewhere, Cheikhou Kouyate earns a place on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury earlier than expected.

Right, let's get down to business. West Ham are on a superb run at the moment, winning three of their last four matches in the Premier League. As a result, the Hammers are up to fourth place in the table. Not a bad achievement considering that fans were calling for Sam Allardyce's head last season. However, some good work in the summer transfer window has seen the club build themselves a solid foundation on which to build this season.

Another impressive feature of West Ham's resurgence this term is their home form. The Hammers lost their opening two fixtures at Upton Park, but since then they have beaten both Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers. Can they make it three consecutive wins on home turf this afternoon?

While West Ham are enjoying the giddy heights of fourth place, visitors Man City can temporarily move to within two points of leaders Chelsea if they earn the victory today. The Blues are currently on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, winning their last three on the bounce. However, Tuesday's 2-2 draw away to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League reminded everyone that they still have their problems in Europe.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "We've got a different team to when we played Man City last season. They're a fabulous side but if we're going to challenge them at any time this season this might be it, coming off a Champions League game. If we can keep their superb attacking force quiet we'll then have to see if we can exploit any weaknesses."

Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "Chelsea have two very difficult away games at (Manchester) United and Liverpool, so this is a moment for us try to win some points and see who will be the leader at the international break.

"You have to play for another 90 points, so there is a lot of time left to play. If we win at West Ham, maybe we can put some pressure on Chelsea because we play before them. But the issue for me, whether our game is early or late, is exactly the same. We have to play for another 90 points."

Got a spare couple of minuted before kickoff? Why not take a look at our video preview of today's match below:

HEAD TO HEAD: It's Man City who have the better record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning 44 matches compared to West Ham's 35. There have also been 15 draws since they first played each other back in 1924.

While the head-to-head record between the teams is relatively tight, it's safe to say that Man City have been the more dominant in this fixture in recent times. The Blues have won six of their last eight Premier League matches with the Hammers, while they also enjoyed a resounding 6-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final last season. West Ham's last win over Man City came back in March 2009.

More from Sam Allardyce, on who he thinks is Man City's best player: "It's a tough question but I would have to plump for Sergio Aguero - because goals win you games - followed closely by Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany because he will help you keep clean sheets.

"With Aguero, defenders think they have him marked but then suddenly, in a blur, he's moved the ball, shot and it's in the back of the net. Enner Valencia is a bit like that for us, hence the goal against Hull while Cristiano Ronaldo did something similar against Liverpool on Wednesday. That's what top players do, they take you by surprise. What do I tell my defenders to do? Pray, because some things, as hard as you practice, are unstoppable."

Just over 10 minutes to go until kickoff and Upton Park is filling up nicely. The fans here would have dreaded Man City coming to town in recent years, but they will be full of confidence that their side can get a result today thanks to their impressive start to the season.

With that said, Man City will be expecting to come away with the points this afternoon. They may have thrown a couple of points away in the Champions League in midweek, but let's not forget that they brushed Tottenham Hotspur aside 4-1 last weekend. You would be foolish to write them off, that's for sure.

Not long to go now as the players emerge in the tunnel, readying themselves to step out onto the pitch and into what is sure to be a cauldron of noise. Vincent Kompany stands at the front of the line for the visitors with that trademark look of intensity on his face, while Mark Noble heads the West Ham starting lineup.

KICKOFF! The players are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be Man City to get us underway. Here we go!

SAVE! An early chance for the visitors sees Aguero race upfield with the ball before hitting a deflected effort towards goal from 20 yards. It looks as if it might be creeping in the bottom corner, but Adrian gets down low to push it away for a corner that the visitors fail to make anything of.

CHANCE! Man City go close again as they dominate these opening few minutes. Aguero is in the thick of the action again, winning a free kick on the edge of the box after being fouled by Noble. Silva steps up to take it, only to curl a shot narrowly over the crossbar.

YELLOW CARD! The first booking of the day goes the way of West Ham midfielder Morgan Amalfitano, who is cautioned for chopping down Navas on the right wing. He gave referee Martin Atkinson little choice there.

The resulting free kick is taken by Navas, who hits a firm cross into the heart of the West Ham box. Kompany gets above his marker to meet the ball with his head, though his effort goes over.

West Ham are proving to be strong in their challenges, but they're finding it difficult to get the ball off the visitors right now. Manuel Pellegrini's side are looking very purposeful, moving the ball about crisply and getting into some good positions high up the pitch.

Man City win another corner thanks to some good play down the right from Navas. The resulting set piece eventually sees Aguero hit a difficult volley on the angle at the back post that goes wide. The champions are still firmly on top.

While West Ham are struggling to get on the ball, they're doing plenty of good things without it. The Hammers are trying hard to close City down whenever they can, while they refuse to play cautiously when they get in possession. There's a fair bit of physicality in this match as well, with both teams putting it about.

CHANCE! From nowhere, West Ham come close to taking the lead! A free kick is nodded down by Collins, with Valencia lurking around the six-yard box. The striker challenges for the ball with Hart, who comes off worse and stays down after receiving a knock to the head. That just shows you how this West Ham team is a constant threat.

And West Ham do take the lead as Morgan Amalfitano taps in from close range! Song slips in Valencia down the right before the striker surges into the box with a powerful run that takes him past Clichy. Valencia squares the ball across the six-yard box, and there is Amalfitano to find the net from a couple of yards out.

CHANCE! Man City almost respond instantly as Dzeko comes close. A clever corner routine sees Navas hit the ball in towards the near post, but Dzeko can only hit a half-volley inches over the crossbar. A little bit lower and the power would likely have taken that past Adrian.

That goal has certainly given West Ham a massive boost. The hosts are now looking even hungrier to win possession and make life difficult for Man City. Meanwhile, the Blues have just dropped off in terms of tempo and intent during the last couple of minutes.

CHANCE! Man City give West Ham another scare thanks to a wonderfully incisive move. Aguero and Silva combine on the edge of the box before the latter advances towards the Hammers' goal. However, the Spaniard's touch is heavy and allows Adrian to gather the ball. West Ham then go up the other end, but Downing heads over.

They've earned plenty of plaudits so far this season, but it's worth saying that Valencia and Sakho have made an incredible difference to West Ham. The summer signings are giving Man City a torrid time at the back, with Valencia in particular enjoying a good game so far.

Man City are beginning to show a bit more life as we head towards the final 10 minutes of the first half. The visitors win a free kick out on the right that is whipped into the box, but Dzeko's flicked header goes well wide in the end. The Bosnian is cutting a bit of a frustrated figure at the moment. He is fairly reliant on good service, while strike partner Aguero is better at making things happen for himself.

Man City carve themselves out a decent opportunity when Aguero gets fouled right on the edge of the box. Toure hits the resulting free kick into the wall before seeing the follow-up blocked by Collins. You would have expected the Ivorian to do better there.

CHANCE! So nearly a second goal for West Ham! Cresswell does really well down the left, making himself some space before hitting a firm cross into the heart of the Man City box. Valencia is there waiting around the penalty spot, but his low drive goes the wrong side of the post.

YELLOW CARD! Man City captain Kompany deservedly goes into the book for a robust challenge on Valencia down the left flank. Martin Atkinson did not hesitate for a second in getting the card out of his pocket.

There will be two minutes of added time...

The first half comes to an end seconds after Adrian pulls off a point-blank save to deny Aguero. It's been an entertaining opening 45 minutes, with West Ham leading 1-0 thanks to Morgan Amalfitano's goal.

Man City started that half in firm control of things, but West Ham really came into their own once they went ahead. Valencia in particular has been sensational for the hosts, giving the visitors all sorts of problems in the final third. Meanwhile, Song has been a vital presence in midfield for the Hammers, winning the ball and breaking up attacks.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is sure to be telling his players to maintain the level that they showed in the first half for the second. The Hammers have been bright, inventive and haven't given Man City a moment's peace. Meanwhile, Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be keen for his side to show a bit more aggression in midfield and a bit more organisation at the back.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out for the second half and it will be West Ham who kicks us off. No changes from either manager at the break. Can champions Man City get themselves back into this game? We're about to find out.

YELLOW CARD! Alex Song goes into the book for a deliberate handball, grabbing the ball after he'd gone down and with Man City looking to break.

There was an interesting moment at the end of the first half that wasn't really picked up on involving Aguero and Noble. The Man City striker went in studs up when battling for the ball with the West Ham captain. Referee Martin Atkinson was in the ideal position to penalise the Argentine, but he somehow got away with it. You could argue that it deserved a red card. That might not be the last that we hear of that incident.

The visitors are doing plenty of pressing during these early stages in the second half, but they've not really done anything to trouble West Ham. One attack sees Toure and Dzeko link in the final third, only for Amalfitano to prove his defensive worth by breaking up play and setting his team away at the other end.

CHANCE! Oh, that really should be 2-0 to West Ham! A free kick causes all sorts of problems in the Man City area before the ball falls to Downing. The winger then hits a powerful drive with his left foot from about eight yards out that flashes inches wide of the post. He wants a corner, but referee Martin Atkinson is having none of it.

Song shows what he is all about by tussling with Fernando to win possession back for his side. Man City look to break with the Brazilian midfielder, but Song gets around him before the pair engage in a right old battle. Song comes out on top.

MAN CITY SUB: The visitors make a change now as Jovetic replaces Dzeko in attack. Dzeko has been very poor today, hardly getting a look in up front.

SAVE! A great move from Man City sees Silva burst into the box before teeing up Aguero. The Argentine's initial effort is kept out from close range by Adrian before he gets another bite of the cherry. However, this time it is Collins who throws himself in the way of the ball. The champions are cranking up the pressure.

CHANCES! How have Man City not equalised?! The first of two great opportunities comes when Aguero whacks the ball against the crossbar from close range following a cross from Navas. The rebound comes to Toure, but the Ivorian's scuffed drive is held by Adrian.

WEST HAM SUB: The home side make their first change of the match as goalscorer Amalfitano is replaced by combative midfielder Kouyate.

Just over 20 minutes remaining at Upton Park and Man City are starting to ask plenty of questions about the West Ham defence. The champions are playing with real purpose, surging forward at every available opportunity. You get the feeling that the Hammers are going to have to be extremely dogged at the back if they want to hold on to this lead.

CHANCE! What a goal that would have been for West Ham! A brilliant counter-attack allows Song to feed Valencia out on the right. The striker then plays the ball to Sakho on the edge of the box, but the forward curls his shot over the crossbar. That was a wonderfully fluid move from the Hammers.

OFF THE POST! Man City are getting closer! Aguero and Silva combine with some intricate passing inside the box before Toure is teed up. The Ivorian hits a powerful effort that looks to be heading into the top corner, only for the ball to clip the woodwork.

Man City came close at the other end a minute ago, but it's West Ham who find the net to extend their lead and possibly wrap up the points! The ball is whipped in from the left, allowing Sakho to direct a good header towards the goal. Hart think that he's kept it from going over the line with a superb save, but Martin Atkinson rightly gives the goal.

What a goal from David Silva to give Man City a lifeline almost instantly! The Spaniard jinks his way past a couple of West Ham defenders before curling a delightful shot past the outstretched Adrian and into the far corner. A sublime strike from a sublime player. Game on!

SUBSTITUTIONS: A few changes were made during all of that madness. Firstly, Carlton Cole replaces Enner Valencia for West Ham, while James Milner and Aleksandar Kolarov are for Man City in place of Fernando and Gael Clichy.

West Ham know full well that it's going to be all hands to the pump for them between now and the final whistle. Man City threaten again with Toure, but the midfielder lashes a wild effort over the crossbar from about 25 yards. The champions will be doing all that they can to find an equaliser. They're building up a head of steam.

West Ham get something of a half-chance as Noble hits a tame volley towards goal, but Hart is able to make a simple save in the end. The Hammers are struggling to worry Man City, with that being a rare foray into the away team's penalty area.

You can feel the tension among the West Ham fans, who are a few minutes away from seeing their side pick up a famous win against the champions. However, there's is still plenty of time for Man City to find an equaliser. The visitors are continuing to mount wave after wave of attack on the West Ham goal.

WEST HAM SUB: The Hammers make their final change as Diafra Sakho is replaced by Kevin Nolan.

The fourth official indicates that there will be FIVE MINUTES of added time...

CHANCE! Man City nearly grab a spectacular equaliser as Jovetic tries his luck with a fizzing drive from 25 yards that Adrian sees late but pushes away. Kolarov then has a shot deflected wide, but the champions can't make anything of the resulting corner.

They've done it! West Ham continue their fine run of recent form with a superb 2-1 win over champions Man City. Goal from Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho put the Hammers 2-0 ahead before David Silva pulled a goal back for the visitors. However, West Ham were able to hold on for three great points.

That's all from our live text coverage of today's match, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you soon. Goodbye!