City was twice pegged back in a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last time out in the Premier League, and suffered a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League  Round of 16 tie in midweek.

The second leg against Madrid will take place at Etihad Stadium next week, but Guardiola's focus is back on the league, with his side sitting seven points behind current Premier League leader Arsenal.

With the Gunners playing before City, that gap could be up to 10 by kick-off at London Stadium, and Guardiola highlighted the importance of his players not letting their minds wander past the task in front of them.

When asked if he felt the 3-0 scoreline against Madrid would be possible to overcome, Guardiola said: "West Ham. Now is West Ham.

"These kind of games it is hard. For many plans you have, it doesn't happen. You play the game you have to play, and after the game, will dictate whether you have a chance or not. It is difficult, yes.

"Not much dollars in the bank for us, but we will see. Now is West Ham.

"The Premier League is the most difficult title, the Premier League, I believe, is the most difficult one, and still we are there knowing that if we drop points, it will be over."

West Ham, meanwhile, is in a fight at the other end of the table, as it sits 18th, only inside the relegation zone because of an inferior goal difference to Forest.

However, with Vitor Pereira's Forest side not playing until Monday (AEDT), a resurgent West Ham would move out of the drop zone if it avoids defeat.

The Hammers have lost just one of their past five league games, coming into this game after beating Fulham in their most recent Premier League outing, and Nuno Espirito Santo hailed the team's spirit.

"The togetherness, the unity has been amazing, realising that everyone is needed and must give their best," he said.