After the excitement of the last week of the transfer window, things return to normal as West Ham United host defending Premier League champions Manchester City this afternoon in a more than challenging match. The Hammers have a difficult historical record against City, having won only twice in 15 home meetings since 2012.
Manchester City has dominated recent encounters with West Ham, winning nine of the last 10 meetings. The Citizens have scored 39 goals against the Hammers in these matches, including two 5-0 victories and two 4-0 victories.
West Ham United has shown signs of improvement under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The Hammers secured a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their last Premier League match, ending a 19-game run without a clean sheet!
The irons will be without Aaron Cresswell, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Edson Alvarez is in contention to start in midfield after returning from injury. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could and should start at right-back, with Emerson Palmieri returning to the left-back position. Niclas Fullkrug may be replaced by Michail Antonio in the starting lineup.
If City are to come away from London with all three points and maintain their winning start to the Premier League season they must be at their best later today. If they aren’t Julen Lopetegui’s side are more than capable of punishing them.
I’m not sure that we’ve got it together enough yet. We haven’t looked fluent yet, I’ve no doubt that it will come but I doubt as soon as today. We’ll have our work cut out.
Agree with that. We’ve had moments but moments aren’t enough against City.