West Ham have the almost impossible task of keeping Manchester City out on Sunday. Can Moyes cramp their style?
Whilst City may be out of the Champions League, there is no doubting that they are one of the best teams of the last few years. They are playing extremely eye catching football, and it’s effective. How do West Ham counter such a strong opponent?
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
Kevin De Bruyne, even if Mo Salah has had a better season, is the best footballer in the league. His ability with both feet, passing range but also his switch to being completely ruthless when necessary has helped propel Guardiola’s side to the top of the league. Then you also have to worry about D. Silva, who has aged like a fine wine this season. He ghosts in and out and his first touch is nigh on perfect.
As such I expect Moyes to play defensively, and I would be tempted to get rid of Kouyate from the midfield. We need to remain disciplined in the middle, and Noble with Mario and maybe Fernandes should have that covered. Adding Kouyate in would simply add a wildcard that won’t benefit the Hammers.
Then on the wings City can hit with Sane, Sterling or B. Silva. Our wing backs will have to try and shut them down early, because they are very dangerous when they approach the box. Part of that is making sure they get forward when we have the ball, because we need to push City back when possible, or it’s going to feel like a lot longer than 90 minutes.
On that topic, Lanzini has to play. We need to be able to hold the ball, and we need to be able to create. Lanzini would provide a link to Arnie that we’ve been missing, and give City something to deal with. If they get a foothold too high up the pitch it will be a 4+ goal margin without fail.
Next: Arnautovic made up for slow start to season
Moyes likes to play it safe, but with 5 at the back he has to have some invention in the middle. It’s always tough to go up against these big sides, but we need to try and get something. I hope he can figure something out, but City are not going to be easy to disrupt at all.