West Ham United will host defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday and some experts predict the Hammers have a real chance of snatching some points off of Pep Guardiola’s men.
Last season, West Ham finished 10th in the table but they could have easily qualified for Europe had they made a better start to the 2018-19 campaign.
Manuel Pellegrini though will be mindful of that and will urge his side to give their best when Man City visit the London Stadium this weekend.
And speaking before the match, former Hammers man Trevor Sinclair has predicted that West Ham could give headaches to the Citizens since their summer signings have actually made them stronger.
“I think they’re stronger and it’s not necessarily because of the signings,” the former England man told talkSPORT.
“If you look at the players who are coming back – Manuel Lanzini had a season to get over his injury, Jack Wilshere could be really key if he can keep fit. If they can get him out on the pitch, that would be a massive boost. The amount of IQ and experience he’s got at the top level.
“Then you look at the signings with Haller, it looks like they’ve got a focal point up there to replace Marko Arnautovic. Hopefully, he’ll be a bit less troublesome.
“Pablo Fornals looks like a really gifted, cultured player. He looks after the ball, typically as a Spanish player, he’s got a fantastic technique and he could be a really good addition.
“I don’t think there’s any point in facing a Man City team and saying, ‘Let’s get a lot of players behind the ball and defend’, because Man City usually find an answer to break you down.
“They’ve got great firepower. Felipe Anderson is a superb player. He looks after the ball, he can beat a man, his pressing ability is great. Sebastien Haller looks exciting and pacey.
“When you’ve got that much artillery in your squad, I think it’s a waste if you don’t go and attack Manchester City try and catch them early doors in the season.
“A lot of players have been on holiday and had extended breaks because of international competitions. Let’s see if they can surprise them and upset the odds.
“Man City’s record against West Ham is unbelievable, they’ve scored so many goals and conceded very little in recent years, but I think West Ham got a team to cause Man City problems.”
