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West Ham United vs. Manchester City
Next to the Bundesliga, the Premier League also starts into the new season this weekend. The best league in the world is once again facing an exciting season, starting on Friday evening with Crystal Palace and FC Arsenal (here you can find the Crystal Palace – Arsenal tip). The final match of the first matchday will be the clash between West Ham United and Manchester City. The match kicks off on Sunday at 17:30 at the London Stadium, you can find our prediction in the following West Ham vs Man City tip.
The hosts from the English capital have established themselves as European Cup contenders in recent years, having previously been regular relegation battlers. In the new season, West Ham will be looking to qualify for international business for the third time in a row. On the other hand, for Manchester City, of course, the championship is always the goal, with the Citizens winning the title in four of the last five seasons and twice in a row recently.
West Ham – Man City info:
– Date & Time: 07/08/2022, 17:30.
– Venue: London Stadium (London)
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 1
– TV coverage: Sky Sport
West Ham Form & Balance Check
The Hammers have enjoyed another successful season. Under David Moyes, the club has stabilised again and was in contention for the European places for the second year in a row. In the end, West Ham missed sixth place by only two points, but seventh place still meant qualification for the Conference League. The Londoners also had a strong season on the international stage and were only beaten in the semi-finals of the Europa League by the eventual winners from Frankfurt. In the Conference League, West Ham are among the absolute favourites right from the start and could well win the title here.
Big transfer deficit
And once again, in typical English club style, the Hammers have made a major upgrade. West Ham spent over 90 million euros on the transfers of Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes and Alphonse Areola, thus presenting a newcomer for each team section. On the other hand, with the departures of Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks and David Martin on loan and the career end of Mark Noble, no income came in. Only a Premier League team can afford this kind of management at the moment.
West Ham facts & analysis
– Finished 7th in the Premier League last season.
– Qualified for the Conference League
– 2nd European Cup appearance in a row
Man City Form & Balance Check
Manchester City have been the measure of all things in English football in recent years. Even though their closest rivals Liverpool are always pushing the Citizens to new heights, four titles in five years speak for themselves. The Skyblues also won the championship last season, albeit by the narrowest of margins on the last matchday. Only the Champions League remains the problem child. The club still lacks a title in the top flight, which of course does not live up to expectations given the incredible quality in the squad.
Haaland as king transfer
However, despite all the quality, City continue to upgrade in order to finally fulfil their dream of winning the Handle Cup. Manchester actually only have three real new additions to their squad, two of which, Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips, have already cost over 100 million euros. In addition, Stefan Ortega came from Bielefeld on a free transfer. In contrast to West Ham, however, Man City have recouped their expenses and, above all, thinned out their overstaffed attack. A total of 13 departures brought a good €160 million into the club’s coffers, including big names such as Sterling, Jesus, Zinchenko and Fernandinho.
Man City facts & analysis
– Champions of the Premier League last season.
– 2nd championship in a row, 4th championship in 5 years.
– Last lost 3-1 to Liverpool in the Community Shield
Predicted line-up – last update on 6 August 2022
David Moyes is likely to field his Hammers in the usual 4-2-3-1, in which new signing Aguerd could possibly find himself straight into the starting line-up. Johnson and Dawson are further alternatives in defence, while Ogbonna is still behind. On the offensive side, Benrahma and Scamacca are further options.
On the Citizens’ side, Guardiola will naturally go for the usual 4-3-3, where we expect the top eleven from the Community Shield against Liverpool in the league opener. In defence, Stones could also replace the injured Laporte instead of Ake, while in midfield Gündogan is an option. In the attacking back three, Foden or Alvarez could come on in place of Grealish.
West Ham – Man City direct comparison & stats
West Ham United and Manchester City have already met 108 times. As expected, the balance is in favour of the Citizens, who have won 56 games. West Ham have been victorious in 33 encounters, while 19 other games have ended in draws. The two teams also drew in their last two encounters in London.
– The most common result between West Ham United and Manchester City is 1-2. 7 matches ended like this.
– West Ham United’s last home win against Manchester City was in 2014.
– The comparisons between the two clubs last season: 2-2 (home to West Ham United) and 2-1 (home to Manchester City).
– The average goals scored in a West Ham United and Manchester City clash is 2.4.
– The average number of goals scored in the first half in matches between West Ham United and Manchester City is 1.2.
