Man City will take on West Ham United at the London Stadium in their 2019-20 season opener and the Citizens are riding high after their Community Shield win.
Last season, Pep Guardiola’s men were able to fend off competition from Liverpool to defend their EPL title and most pundits feel that they will be able to achieve the same feat this time around too.
City have made a couple of signings this summer but largely, they have remained muted during the past couple of months. But hopefully, this will be of least concern as they are expected to pick up an easy win over the Hammers.
Man City news: Team news and injury updates
Benjamin Mendy has spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch for City and right now he is plagued with a knee injury.
Guardiola has made it clear that the defender will not be available for the Hammers game but should return back to training next week.
“Mendy came back two or three days ago. He tried to train with the team. Hopefully, next week he will be with us.” the City manager said during the weekend.
Leroy Sane picked up a knee injury during the Community Shield game but the manager has made it clear that the injury is not serious hinting that he could feature vs West Ham on Saturday.
“The first impression was not that good, but I think it’s not bad. So, honestly, I do not know. I spoke to the doctor… I will wait, we will wait to see what happened but I think he will be okay.” Guardiola said.
But given that Aguero is set to return we doubt whether the manager will choose Leroy Sane from the start with the German likely to come on during the second half.
Man City brought in Rodri this summer and the midfielder is expected to start in central midfield alongside De Bruyne and David Silva.
Guardiola is without Vincent Kompany this season which means Otamendi and John Stones will be the first choice central defensive pairing for the Citizens.
Sergio Aguero started on the bench vs Liverpool in the Community Shield but against the Hammers, he should start upfront meaning Raheem Sterling will move back to the wing.
