Manuel Pellegrini could present the key selections tomorrow which tell us how his first team will line-up against Manchester City next weekend.
After the 5-3 victory over Hertha Berlin the Hammers go into action against Atheltico Bilbao which is being billed as the prestige friendly of the close season.
It remains to be seen whether those who suffered slight niggles ahead of the last game – Fabianski, Fredericks, Noble and a slowly recovering Reid – will be involved with the opening Premier League game just a week away.
There may be little chance as the manager has made it clear he will take no chances whatsoever on any who may not feel they are 100 per cent.
Should all three be available, however, we will get a clear indication of that Man City team and should that be the case here is how I would expect us to line up for tomorrow’s match – and assuming no injuries – for the first game of the season:
Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Balbuena, Masuaku; Rice; Fornals, Wilshere, Anderson; Lanzini; Haller.
I have been impressed with Yarmolenko’s appearances so far, particualarly against Berlin and could possibly see him forcing his way in to the team.
Tomorrow will be interesting.
Not that it is life changing, but the club’s name is not Athletico Bilbao, but Athletic (without an “O”) Club Bilbao. I think most people say Athletico because of Atletico Madrid (without an “H”).
Athletic is spelled like this because of its founding members, who were either British or had strong connection to Britain.
Spot on
The connection with the British is because of the mining industry in the Basque region . The British were extremely involved and took Thier experience to the region over 200 yrs ago .
So , yes , that’s probably why they are named ; Athletic Bilbao Instead of Athletico Bilbao .
Antonio has to start against city too much power!
Johnson should Start. left or right. He’s a better footballer than the alternatives.
Agree with the selected players and possible subs, but would prefer to see us play with a 4-4-2 formation. Haller is to reticent to use his left foot and we might do better with twin strikers??
I think Wilshere drops out against City for Yarmolenko or Antonio but whoever we pick in that game it will be a challenge.
Pelligrini won’t want to show too many cards for Man City to see . This is a important game and will be a tough one ahead of next weeks curtain raiser . Just prey we come through it injury free .
Hugh/ Sean,
Any news on whether the game is being streamed?
I can’t believe it will be Pete. However, I am making regular checks on my TV and will let you know if and when when I find something mate
Must say, I absolutely expected it to be. This is mad, losing out on money too. Charge a tenner for a stream on the official site. I’d pay. Crazy not to allow fans who can’t be there watch their team. Why can we do it so competently in Austria but can’t offer the same in London? Mad.
Austria permitted I assume
Man Utd, Pool, Chelsea etc all seem to show their home friendlies. Why can’t we?