Big news from Man City feels ominous for West Ham United ahead of their London Stadium clash this weekend.
David Moyes might have been hoping West Ham would have a slight advantage when Manchester City come to town this weekend.
After three away games in their first four Premier League matches of the season, West Ham are back at the London Stadium on Saturday when champions Manchester City are the visitors.
With one of – if not the – best squads and managers in world football, Man City go into pretty much every game they play as overwhelming favourites.
But the Hammers have already proved one of the form teams so far this season. Both West Ham and Man City have made unbeaten starts. Although Man City – with a perfect four wins from four – are two points ahead of West Ham.
Moyes and Pep Guardiola have both been nominated for the manager of the month award as a result.
Depending on other results, West Ham can actually go back to the top of the fledgling Premier League table with a win over Manchester City in Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.
Ahead of the game West Ham have a couple of injury doubts. And so too Man City – in the dugout at least!
Guardiola has been in Barcelona for the last three weeks recovering from back surgery.
The Spaniard has missed wins over Sheffield United and Fulham since. West Ham boss Moyes would undoubtedly have been hoping he would not have to face the master tactician when Man City’s treble winners look to put a dent in their fine start.
But it seems he’ll have no such luck.
Because big news from Man City feels ominous for West Ham ahead of the London Stadium clash this weekend.
Because according to a host of reports and Man City’s own website, Guardiola is expected to return to the dugout for the game against West Ham.
While Guardiola was still very much pulling the strings from afar while recovering from back surgery, Man City have proved they can win without him being physically present.
But it is hard to envisage a scenario where his return to the dugout does not give Man City’s players an extra spark for the West Ham clash.
Man City made it clear Guardiola is expected back in action with the team after the international bank.
In Guardiola’s absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo has been overseeing coaching of the first team on the training field and touchline.
West Ham’s big hope will be that intense Guardiola’s return unsettles Man City in some small way. And that Moyes’ men pounce to take advantage.