After a testing game against SCR Altach in their first pre-season friendly, West Ham United are back in action this week. They take on Premier League champions Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Premier League Asia Trophy on Wednesday, for a chance to face Wolves or Newcastle United in the final.
Carlos Sanchez, Michail Antonio and Issa Diop all found the back of the net against the Austrian side, and Manuel Pellegrini will certainly cherish the chance to take on his former side.
Here is the team news and predicted lineup for the Hammers for this clash:
Winston Reid is finally back from a long-term injury and played the second half of the game against Altach. He finds a place in the squad alongside youngsters like Grady Diangana and Ben Johnson all of who will get their chances to impress in this game.
Andriy Yarmolenko also got a half in Austria and will be gunning for a place in the starting lineup.
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski is back in the squad after missing the previous pre-season game. He should start between the sticks with Roberto David Martin acting as back-ups.
Reid should get his chance at the back and could start alongside Issa Diop, who played an hour of the game at the CASHPOINT Arena.
Young Ben Johnson was impressive in that game and should keep his place at left-back while Ryan Fredericks will keep his place at right-back.
Midfield
Mark Noble will captain the side in this semi-final and will be crucial for West Ham’s chances of keeping Manchester City out. He could be partnered with Declan Rice, who played the last game as a centre-back.
The duo can cement their place in the first team next season with an impressive performance in this pre-season game.
Robert Snodgrass did well last season, acting as the link between the midfield and the attack. The Scot will complete the three-man midfield for West Ham in this game.
Attack
Javier Hernandez remains the only senior striker in the squad for West Ham on this tour to Asia. The Mexican played in the second half of the game against Altach, and should lead the attack for his side in this game.
Michail Antonio was one of the most impressive players for the Hammers in that game and will start on the flank while Felipe Anderson will look to add some creativity to the side on the left wing.
Here is how they might line up:
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