City may have considered themselves unlucky but that marker in Europe still seems elusive
They could of course point to the knee injury of a player that most would concede is the finest in the Premier League and perhaps a City with more than an 83rd minute cameo from Aguero would have been more clinical.
Domestically Man City have been a completely different kettle of fish with a perfect record but face a West Ham side who have surprised the big clubs with wins at Arsenal and Liverpool which along with their recent win at Newcastle has moved them to 5th in the Premier League
The Hammers exit from the Europa League has ensured that whilst they have gained some useful experience they will not be fatiguing players
Domestic survival must be their prime objective with the Olympic Stadium move now coming into focus.
With two home wins and three away, it will be crucial to maintain that momentum in the Premier League and not allow the disappointment from midweek affect their charge to regain the Premier League title
Although West Ham have a perfect away record this could well be a long afternoon if they are anywhere short of the mark in their preparations
West Ham have not won at City since 2002-2003 and it remains to be seen if Bilic can fashion another away shock.
Bilic said: "It would be a surprise [if West Ham won] of course because Manchester City have scored 11 goals in the league and have not conceded.
"They are cruising in the early stages and already have a gap which is hard to get after five games.
"It wouldn't be a shock as we already have two out of two away wins
We know what we need to do to have a chance.
"They are the favourites of course but I am expecting us to have a good game and if that is the case we will have chances."
Sergio Aguero is expected to return for the Match at the Etihad on Saturday after confirmation from Pellegrini that the knee problem was not aggravated in the Champions League:
"It was a risk to use him [Aguero]
I tried not to because if he got a kick in the same part it could take him more days to recover.
"Fortunately he did not have any problems and I hope he will be fit for Saturday."
City have been solid at the back in the Premier League with Joe Hart being largely a spectator but West Ham could pose some problems with the likes of Payet, Sakho and Moses up-front looking to exploit any opportunities for what will surely be a side setup for the counter-attack
Slaven Bilic will approach this knowing he has nothing to lose and has a player that has real class in Payet.
Source : DSG
Source: DSG