West Ham fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern were devastated after their side crashed out of the Europa League this week – and will be expecting an immediate return to form against Man City this weekend.
Most of the punters here in the Football Transfer Tavern expected West Ham’s arrival at the London Stadium to signal a positive change at the club; with one particularly loud Hammer proclaiming that his side would produce a title challenge this season.
Whilst that looks unlikely, West Ham have proven in the past few years that they are fit to compete with all of England’s top sides – Man City included.
Guardiola’s men, on the other hand, have had an electric start to the season – and they currently sit at the top of the Premier League table. Fans of rival clubs here in the Tavern are fearful that City might just run away with the title this year.
Slaven Bilic will have to name the perfect team this weekend if he wants to have any chance of beating City on Sunday.
Having said that, we think that this 4-3-3 West Ham team will definitely beat Man City this weekend…
GK – Adrian
Adrian is definately West Ham’s number one goalkeeper, and he will come back into the side to face Manchester City this weekend.
Always reliable and a fan favourite here in the Football Transfer Tavern; expect a good performance.
RB – Sam Byram
With Michail Antonio’s right back experiment all but over, Sam Byram will likely come in on the right-hand side.
Antonio was exploited last week against Chelsea, and the former Leeds man provided reassuring defensive cover to the Hammers defence after coming on as a substitute during the game.
Expect more of the same.
CB – Winston Reid
Winston Reid is always reliable at centre-half, though he will definitely have his work cut out against Manchester City.
Sergio Aguero will likely prove a real handful for the Kiwi, but our landlord is backing the defender to come out on top – as he normally does.
CB – James Collins
James Collins popped up with an impressive goal in the season opener against Chelsea, and alongside Winston Reid, has formed quite the partnership.
The duo’s physicality often dominates their opposition – but both defenders will have to be wary of City’s speedy forwards.
LB – Arthur Masuaku
West Ham’s new left-back has settled into life with the Irons well since joining the club earlier this summer.
Expect him to come back into the side and deputise once again for Aaron Cresswell, who is likely out for another couple of months.
CM – Cheikhou Kouyate
Kouyate has already bagged a couple of goals so far in the Europa League this season, capping off some fine form for the Hammers.
He provides a reassuring force in the heart of the midfield.
Near a constant in the side last year – and that will likely remain unchanged this time around.
CM – Havard Nordtveit
Nordveit has impressed the West Ham faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern so far this season, and he looks set to continue his quest to make the defensive midfield spot his own.
Expect him to go from strength to strength the more he plays for the Hammers.
LAM – Michail Antonio
The Antonio at full-back experiment is over, and he proved himself on the wing after popping up with a goal last week – the first league goal at West Ham’s new London Stadium.
He is likely to continue his fine form as he looks to make the wide spot his own.
Expect constant interchanging with his right-midfield partner.
CM – Mark Noble
Who else?
Mark Noble is the talisman of this side and is all but certainly a guaranteed starter whenever he is fit.
The West Ham faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern absolutely love him.
Bank on him to give 100% this weekend – as always.
RAM – Gokhan Tore
Tore was given a chance to impress in mid-week, and with Andre Ayew out with a long-term injury you can expect him to be given another opportunity to shine on the right-hand side of the midfield.
He certainly has the talent, and having now settled into life in East London – he will go from strength to strength.
Expect constant interchanging with his left-midfield partner.
ST – Enner Valencia
With Jonathan Calleri drawing another blank midweek, we expect to see Enner Valencia leading the line as a result of Andy Carroll’s injury.
Though it is not an ideal option in the central striking berth, the injury crisis somewhat forces Bilic’s hand.
