West Ham United vs Manchester City
Date: 10/08/19
K/O: 12:30
Venue: London Stadium
Referee: Mike Dean
Manuel Pellegrini faces his former club on the opening day of the season as Manchester City return to the capital following their recent Community Shield victory at Wembley.
This could be an early banana skin though for City, as they look to become the first team since Manchester United to retain their title for a third season in a row. The Hammers have strengthened excellently this summer, with the fresh faces of Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller majorly upgrading the squad; despite losing key man Marco Arnautovic.
This will, however, come with the costly effect of expectation from the West Ham fans – perhaps something which has been the demise of such a large football club, with the players not always being prepared to step up to the fan’s expectations.
But with the owners finally spending a large sum of money, there is a good feeling that this season West Ham can create something special and return back to the European big time.
Meanwhile in Manchester, fans don’t really have much to complain about. With Rodri and Joao Cancelo being the only additions to the squad, it has given fans the opportunity to reflect on how they already had one of the greatest squads of all time; particularly in contrast to what their team would have looked like 15 years ago.
A different sort of pressure this season will arise over tactical genius Pep Guardiola, with this season presenting an extra dimension of scrutiny in City’s attempts to attain a Champions League trophy.
Guardiola did, however, say he would rather win the Premier League again, and it would be a fantastic statement if they could travel to the London Stadium and pick up three early points in their bid to retain the title and solidify their status as one of England’s greatest ever domestic sides.
Team News
Lukasz Fabianski will face a race against fitness in time for the City game, due to a groin injury picked up in pre-season. It is looking increasingly likely that the Polish goalkeeper will make a return in time for the opening game of the season; a relief for West Ham fans considering his fantastic record last season of making the most saves in the league.
The Hammers will be without captain Mark Noble who is struggling with some leg problems, however he should be back in the next few weeks so there isn’t a big worry for West Ham fans there.
Haller and Fornals are likely to make their debuts on Saturday as well, with the pair of them impressing heavily in pre-season. Jack Wilshere will also be desperate to make a statement following some impressive performances of late, and this could finally be the time to live up to expectation since his arrival in East London.
In contrast to West Ham, City face more concerning injuries, as four key players remain doubtful for their Premier League opener on Saturday.
Benjamin Mendy is continuing his rehabilitation from his knee injury a few seasons ago which keep on coming back to him, so Zinchenko is likely to retain his starting spot for the first few games.
Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte are major doubts following knocks, with the pair of them facing minor layoffs for the first few game weeks of the season. Laporte could feature in the squad, but Guardiola may want to rest him in case of any larger injuries sustained.
Leroy Sane’s injury in the Community Shield is likely to keep him out of the game and perhaps the first few games of the season as well. The injury could also jeopardise the German’s desired exit out of Manchester with the winger rumoured to be interested in a move back to Germany.
The good news for City though is that new signings Rodri and Cancelo may feature, perhaps only on the bench but it will be good for them to get their first taste of English football.
Predicted Starting XIs
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Fredericks, Balbuena, Diop, Masuaku; Rice, Wilshere; Fornals, Lanzini, Anderson; Haller.
Man City (4-3-3): Ederson; Zinchenko, Otamendi, Stones, Walker; David Silva, Rodri; De Bruyne, Sterling, Bernardo Silva; Aguero.
Prediction: West Ham 1 – 3 Man City
While I think West Ham will have a good season, Man City will simply have too much for them tactically.
