The Hammers currently prop up the Barclays Premier League but the City boss has backed Avram Grant to help them to maintain their top-flight status this season.
But City have a good chance of taking some vital points back from east London, with four wins, two draws and just two defeats on the road in the league this season.
Looking ahead to the match, Roberto told mcfc.co.uk: “West Ham will be a difficult game because they are having a bad time at the moment, but I think they have a good squad. They don’t deserve to be near the bottom of the table and it is going to be a tricky game.
I know Avram, he’s a good manager – he got Chelsea to a Champions League final! I think that West Ham will stay in the Premier League.
“The last time we were there was the last game of the season, and it was quiet but I know that Upton Park is a difficult place to go with good supporters, and they will make it hard for us. But we need to play the same, away or at home, and our record away is good this season.”
