West Ham vs. Manchester City – The Opposition’s View!

West Ham open up their season with Premier League winners Manchester City coming to the London Stadium! Here’s what the opposition thinks of the Hammers and their prediction on the match and season ahead!

We’d like to thank Dave from Man City Square for his insight and answers to our questions! Let’s get down to the questions and predictions!

With just a few signings this summer, albeit extremely strong signings, do you feel your squad is primed and ready for another strong start to the season?

"We have the best squad we have ever had but it has taken a while to assemble. Adding 1 or 2 players a year is where we are rather than a rebuild. Rodri was needed as Fernandinho is 34 and we have been looking for a replacement for 18 months. Cancelo is a player I didn’t realise we needed but seems to allow us a tactical fluidity. I expect us to start strong"

Do you expect newcomers Rodri and Cancelo (possibly) to play in the season opener?

"Rodri will start as Fernandinho has only just returned to training. Cancelo will most likely be deployed from the bench if we change formation. Cancelo will play as a right wing back, allowing Bernardo to drift inside."

When looking at West Ham what is your initial thought on how the team is constructed?

"I like West Ham anyway as I feel the club is a lot like ours. The side Pellers is building may be your best since the 1980s and you should have a good season. You have quality in key positions but probably still lack depth in others. You are probably another 4 players short of challenging for major honours…"

Who do you feel is the biggest threat to score against your side in the season opener?

"I think your biggest goal threat will end up being a tall defender! We mark zonally so you will have a 6ft 4inch defender of yours being marked by Raheem at a corner!"

Who do you think the most important player on the pitch will be for West Ham this season?

"Over the course of a season Rice will be key for you. Pellers wants to play free flowing attacking football and it needs an anchor to survive against the counter attacks.More from Green Street Hammers - West HamBrighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer standLucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talksBournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaosWest Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid"

The Hammers offense has rounded into form to close out their preseason tour but the defense still has questions. How will Pep attack the Irons in this match?

"I think our plan will change consistently during the game. Some of it will depend upon whether you set up to press or not. I think we will be changing formation and switching positions at speed – at least for 70 minutes until we run out of energy!"

Who should Pellegrini circle as the main goal threat to score against?

"The goal threat we pose an least initially in the opening phases of the match will come from our midfield as we switch play. So Kevin De Bruyne, but dont be surprised if we second guess your attempts to mark him by playing him deep and allowing Rodri to move forward."

If you could pluck one player from our team to drop into your starting XI, replacing someone on your starting team, who would it be?

"Our squad is so good at the moment I dont covet any players. If we were take any Hammers we would probably look at Rice because cover for Rodri is limited and we will end up playing 60 games this season. I have always thought Lanzini would be useful in our midfield but we have no space for non home grown players!"

What is your score prediction for this match?

"I am always anxious on the eve of a season because there are so many variables, so I worry about a narrow loss. A bad VAR decision or random red card. I hope to see a City victory, maybe 3:1 !"

Where will West Ham finish this season?

"I think WHU will finish in the top 7 this year, maybe as high as 6th. Depends on others too and if you can find goals. The lad from Germany you have signed is going to need to stay injury free too as your cover is limited! Best of luck!"

Again big thank you to Dave over at Man City Square! There is a lot of camaraderie between City supporters and West Ham supporters, I think Dave represents this well with his answers. Shoot him a follow on Twitter and check out Man City Square for any Manchester City news needs!