GSH predicts West Ham United’s season opener against Manchester City

The season is now literally upon us and West Ham United are gearing up to face the back to back league champions, Manchester City.

Earlier this week we linked up with another FanSided account, Man City Square, to give each other’s opinions before the match here. But with all this in mind, let’s get on to our GSH writers predictions for this week before West Ham take on Manchester City.

Denver Scott (0-0 Draw)

West Ham plays Man City this weekend. I’m not so much afraid of the result as I am curious about how the club plays. We started last year with 4 straight losses, which I don’t see happening this year, but it is likely we start this year with a loss. Tony Clark of American West Ham Podcast reminded me that City only lost 4 games last year (3 away losses) and drew twice (away at Wolves and LFC).

This is a club looking to 3 peat and has the firepower to do it. West Ham is likely to play run and gun this year, but this is not the match for that. This is a match where Declan will get more help from the other midfielders and we will likely play a more defensive set up. However, with Haller, Anderson, Fornals, and ANY of the other attackers, we offer pace and offense against a pretty good defending core. I am picking a very strange result. I say this game actually goes scoreless. Neither team breaks the other down enough and no one scores.

Jeff (3-3 Draw)

After West Ham United’s final preseason match, I was feeling pretty good about the opener vs City. I was keeping it to myself as to not jinx anything for the club, but I thought the Hammers could sneak up on City in this one and come away with a rare victory vs the League Champions.

That enthusiasm has waned with news that Hammer of the Year Lukas Fabianski is likely to miss out on this one with a knock. If he doesn’t play or plays and is not fully fit, then the goals the club has been shipping in the summer figure to continue against City. This is the same side that outscored the Irons last season 5-0. The Citizens have won the last seven against WHU combined 23-3. Yikes!

I see this one going 3-3 with the thought that maybe somehow we can score enough goals to scrape out a point to start the season.

Adam (2-2 Draw)

I’m starting this season more optimistic than I originally though, but not audacious enough to call a win for the Hammers. Still, a home draw to the reinforced and impressive League winners from last season would be a great way to start the campaign.

City is extremely dangerous up front, solid in the midfield, and decisive at the back. I think the Hammers will have their hands full all match against this team and specifically the link up play between Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling. Sterling’s speed and Aguero’s elusiveness give defenders fits every season, but against a not-so-elite backline like West Ham currently have it’ll be an issue. All four defenders would need to play perfectly to keep a clean sheet and there are still some growing pains going on. I think two goals is modest and can be improved upon.

Louis (4-2 Loss)

I’m not as apprehensive about this fixture as I have been in recent seasons. Whether that is because it is the start of a new season where dreams seem at their most real, I’m not so sure.

Either way, I think Pellegrini’s men will put in a valiant effort against the champions, and certainly won’t go down without a fight. I do, however, think they will eventually prove too much for us. With concerns about our defense lingering, it is difficult to imagine us not conceding a few to their ruthless attackers.

Jay (3-2 Win)

Although it is a shaky display defensively, I think the Hammer could surprise City on Match-day One with an all-out attacking display that sees the Hammers score 3 on Pep’s defense. Anderson, Haller, and Fornals get on the score sheet and West Ham start the season on a high note!

Green Street Hammers Podcast Episode 31: Man City Preview and the Transfer Window!. light. Hot

Jeremiah (2-1 Win)

This match has been in the back of my mind for over a month now debated on how the Hammers would take on City. I want to be optimistic but it’s hard since West Ham has gotten dominated by Man City for over a demi-decade, however, I am going to stay optimistic!

I think the Hammers come out slow (like always as of late) but come on strong in the second half. They have the firepower to do so which also has me flying high. The combination of midfield connectivity and Haller will push the Champions and give the EPL the first shock of the season.

Scotty J (2-0 Loss)

Yeah I know it’s a new season and I’m meant to be optimistic but Manchester City is an absolutely amazing side. They have quality in every area and their bench would walk into most other Premier League sides. As such I think this match is more about the performance than the result because I just can’t see us getting anything from it. I do think we’ll show a solid progression on last season, and our XI is a lot better than before, so we’ll hold the ball with more ease and probably score more of our created chances but that won’t cut it against superstar teams like City.

Next. What to expect from Haller this season.. dark

That’s 2 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws for the GSH team which does show 5 of us being somewhat optimistic. This match is exciting as it’s the first of the campaign and should show fireworks. Until next week, COME ON YOU IRONS!