West Ham United will start their Premier League campaign when they welcome Manuel Pellegrini’s former side Manchester City in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.
After finishing just inside the top ten last season, West Ham will look to make strides in the right direction, having made a couple of smart additions to their squad in the summer.
The Hammers have won two of their last three pre-season games, but face a Manchester City side that won back to back league titles and only made their squad stronger this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s side have not lost to West Ham in their last seven meetings, but the new season can spring some surprises. Here is the and predicted lineup Pellegrini might field for this tie:
The manager will miss the experience of Mark Noble in the middle of the park for this game. The midfielder is suffering from a thigh strain and has been ruled out. Winston Reid isn’t match-fit and is the only other player doubtful against City.
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski remains the undisputed no.1 for Pellegrini and the 34-year old is expected to retain his place under the bar for the game this weekend.
The pairing of Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena worked wonders for the club last season at the back. The duo add balance and stability to the backline, but will face a tough task against the likes of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in this clash.
Ryan Fredericks has slowly claimed his place in the first team and will start at right-back while Aaron Cresswell will start at left-back against City. They will have to keep the likes of Bernardo Silva and Sterling quiet if they are to take anything from this game.
Midfield
With Noble unavailable, Declan Rice will have to act as a cover for the backline. He will start as the deepest of the midfielders.
Rice could be partnered with Jack Wilshere, who will add creativity to West Ham’s midfield.
Attack
Pellegrini has plenty of options for most roles in the attack. Sebastien Haller seems to have impressed the manager and could earn his first Premier League start this weekend.
Felipe Anderson was one of the best players for the club last season and should start in his regular position on the left-wing. Michail Antonio adds a different dimension to the West Ham attack and should start on the other flank.
Pellegrini could give yet another of his summer signing a start in this game. Former Villarreal man Pablo Fornals could get a chance to impress in the no.10 against the Premier League champions.
Here is how they might line up:
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