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West Ham vs. Manchester City; A snowballs hope in hell… or worse?

By Adam Smith

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United and Jonathan Hogg of Huddersfield Town lead their teams onto the pitch while carrying wreaths prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and West Ham United at the John Smith's Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United and Jonathan Hogg of Huddersfield Town lead their teams onto the pitch while carrying wreaths prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and West Ham United at the John Smith's Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have the unwanted pleasure of hosting Premier League leaders Manchester City after the conclusion of the November international break. A result seems unlikely but here are West Ham’s best chances to secure a result against City.

Pablo Zabaleta

While on in age and rumored be nearing retirement after this season, Pablo Zabaleta will be absolutely key if West Ham are to repel the insanely potent Leroy Sane. Zabaleta has handled his fair share of elite left-sided players this season, Eden Hazard, Willian, and Anthony Martial to name a few, all kept quiet in those matches.

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He still has the drive to compete at a top level and Sane will be yet another challenge in what could be his Premier League swan song season. Sane was left off the scoresheet against Manchester United in his last Premier League match but a match prior scored a goal and assisted two others. He also scored his first and second senior goals for Germany this international break so Zabaleta will have his hands full with the in-form player.

Declan Rice

Move over Mark Noble, Declan Rice has become the player who dictates the effectiveness of West Ham’s midfield. Noble’s suspension was Rice’s gain as he stepped up in his captain’s absence orchestrating four points in two league games. Rice is West Ham’s heartbeat in midfield now but despite that fact, having Noble back beside him should be a welcome presence for the 19-year-old.

Declan Rice will have the task of intervening with David Silva’s puppeteering in the midfield which will be crucial if West Ham are to get a result in this match. Silva is proving season after season that he is one of the most effective playmakers in the Premier League and this year is no different as he has racked up seven goals and three assists in 15 matches so far.

Rice will also be counted on for slowing down Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, and Kevin de Bruyne (should he play). With such elite competition, this match has the potential to be a massive launch pad for Rice recognition in the Premier League.

Andy Carroll

Is the long wait over? Is West Ham about to get their TRUE talisman back? It seems like the long-haired towering striker could just be fit enough to make the bench for this match. Like him, love him, or hate him, one this is undeniable – when fit, Andy Carroll is unplayable on his day. The only thing is that there are fewer and fewer of those days due to injury.

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An appearance for Carroll won’t be more than a late-game substitution for Arnautovic, but as short as his appearance may be, all it takes is a looping Aaron Cresswell cross to make Carroll an impact player for West Ham. It’ll be interesting to see how Pellegrini uses his substitutions with Carroll, Chicharito, Antonio, and Perez all available for selection.

Wouldn’t it just be the West Ham way for West Ham to leave it late and fall back on bruting Carroll for an injury-time winning header? The more I say it the more I’m talking myself into believing it will happen…