Guardiola drops news of Haaland’s “struggles” ahead of Premier League crunch

Just a few days now until West Ham ‘entertain’ – or ‘endure’ Manchester City’s visit to London Stadium when the Premier League takes centre stage ahead of the international Break. West Ham are desperate for points to climb above Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, but face one of the season’s toughest opponents as Guardiola’s side have been pretty invincible against the Hammers of late.

Tormentor in chief Erling Haaland usually saves his best for West Ham: Or perhaps it is simply that the Irons have been so inept in stopping him – either way the Norwegian striker seems to score at will against the Irons, with a hat trick amongst his 11 goals and an assist currently adorning his record.

The brilliant centre forward has been struggling with an injury of late, playing against Nottingham Forest but not featuring at the weekend in City’s FA Cup squad. Manager Pep Guardiola does admit that Haaland struggles to get his sharpness back after a layoff, as detailed in the manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

“I didn’t think to let him play and I prefer him training to [clicks fingers] make a rhythm,” said Guardiola after the 3-1 win over Newcastle that books City’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. “After injury when he drops, he always struggles to have that real pace.”

Which might be just a hint that Haaland isn’t back to 100%: Whilst we hope the formidable frontman isn’t on tip top form, he is likely to be more than enough to cause some mischief at London Stadium on Saturday.

West Ham have to hope they can replicate Nottingham Forest’s achievement and grab at least a point from the aspiring Champions.

The Irons have proved they can score against anyone: It is simply a case of trying to avoid another Liverpool-style avalanche down at the other end of the pitch – which could well decide the outcome of this season’s relegation battle should West Ham ship several in another big defeat.