Our landlord here at the Transfer Tavern has been very impressed with the way in which West Ham have turned their season around from a relegation battle, to a prospect of a top eight finish.

They’ve impressed many here at the Tavern with their recent acquisitions of Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass.

The Hammers have invested very wisely in bringing in two players of real quality and a great experience in the Premier League.

Many West Ham punters here at the pub will be hoping that their side’s efforts are far greater than they saw when their side were hammered 5-0 at the London Stadium, earlier this season in the FA Cup.

It’s vital that Bilic get’s his team selection just right, so with that, if the Croatian selects this starting XI, they could surprise Man City this weekend….

GK: DARREN RANDOLPH

The Irish keeper wasn’t in the squad when West Ham suffered their embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Guardiola’s City, and it proved just how vital that the former Birmingham City man has been for the Hammers.

Adrian who stood in for him in the FA Cup defeat and made a number of errors – Randolph MUST start!

LB: AARON CRESSWELL

The left-back has been a superb for the Hammers in recent weeks as they’ve slowly risen up the league table.

When fit he’ll always start even with Masuaku in the wings.

CB: JOSE FONTE

It is expected that Fonte will be making his debut in this fixture, especially now that Ogbonna has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign having played through an injury for most of the season.

His leadership and experience will be vital in the second half of the season for the Hammers.

CB: WINSTON REID

Reid has been a brilliant servant of the club and he has been solid at the back for West Ham even during shaky times at the back for his side.

It’s likely that unless injury hits, he’ll be in every team from now.

RB: SAM BYRAM

The former Leeds man has been hit by injuries this campaign but with it unlikely that the club will bring in another right-back any time soon.

Byram has a bright future ahead of him as the starting right-back at West Ham.

He’ll have his work cut out with the likes of Sterling and Jesus but if he plays to his best ability it’ll be no easy game for City.

CDM: PEDRO OBIANG

Obiang had to wait to break into the first team after featuring mostly from the bench last campaign – it seems to many that it was worth the wait!

The Spanish midfielder has been arguably along side Antonio, West Ham’s most vital player.

Obiang has been superb and will be key in the success of his club going forward.

CDM: MARK NOBLE

You cannot name a West Ham side with the captain Mark Noble in it.

Although not been at his best this season, his leadership and qualities are vital for the club.

He with the leadership qualities of Jose Fonte alongside him in the team could prove to be pivotal in the remainder of the season.

LW: ROBERT SNODGRASS

The new boy will be looking to make a lasting impression on the West ham faithful, as he looks set to make his debut against Manchester City.

The £10-million man has been superb for Hull City this season and has made the move up the league table to West Ham, a great move for both club and player.

He could prove to be a key player for the club over the coming seasons.

CAM: MANUEL LANZINI

The Argentine midfielder has been great since arriving at the club last season.

The 24-year-old could be a great longer term replacement in attacking midfield for Dimitri Payet.
Lanzini just in behind Andy Carroll up top, could be a lethal pairing in this fixture for the shaky City defence.

RW: MICHAIL ANTONIO

Easily the ‘Hammer of the year’ so far this season, his goal-scoring prowess as well as his ability to play in any position on the field has proven to be a game changer for his side.

He’ll be in every team undoubtedly that Bilic names for the remainder of the season.