West Ham United face a daunting trip to champions-elect Manchester City this lunchtime.
Relief for West Ham boss Moyes as report makes Antonio claim
Not many are giving West Ham any hope of a result against Pep Guardiola’s in-form side.
West Ham have a poor record against Man City over the years.
But David Moyes’s men managed a 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola’s side in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium.
Daunting task for high-flying Hammers against different kettle of fish Man City
Since then, though, Man City have elevated their game to another level.
And the daunting nature of West Ham’s task is made clear by the fact Man City are going in search of their 20th consecutive victory when the two sides meet in the lunchtime kick off on BT Sport.
West Ham sit fourth in the Premier League after the 2-1 win over Spurs last time out.
If they can stay there over the next 13 games, Moyes’s men will achieve something truly remarkable.
Speaking ahead of the game, Moyes said he would be delighted with a clean sheet at the Etihad (whufc.com).
Set pieces are likely to be West Ham’s main focus to cause City problems at he other end.
Moyes focused on clean sheet and set pieces and is set to make one big chance to facilitate back five
And a cautious Moyes looks set to make one big chance in order to switch formation to a back for the blue half of Manchester.
Jarrod Bowen got an assist against Spurs but his all round game has dipped in recent weeks. Claret & Hugh claim the winger has been playing on through illness.
Moyes will therefore elect to keep the hard-working Pablo Fornals in the side has he brings in Ben Johnson for Bowen and switches things around to play the impressive youngster at left wingback.
Moyes also recently noted Aaron Cresswell gets more space, time and therefore assists when operating at left centre-back.
With set pieces likely to be key, that is a big factor in his decision making.
Releasing assist king Cresswell a key factor too
Some West Ham fans may be unhappy with the change and feel it is too negative.
Hammers supporters feel the Scot shows too much respect to the top sides.
But in fairness to Moyes, City are a different kettle of fish.
A draw would feel like a win. And if the back five does not work out, Moyes has the option to change things up.
With no other injury issues besides Arthur Masuaku and Ryan Fredericks, West Ham go to Man City in good health and fine form themselves.
And this is how the Hammers could line up.
Predicted West Ham starting XI vs Man City:
Fabianski, Johnson, Cresswell, Diop, Dawson, Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Fornals, Lingard, Antonio.
Man City’s terrifying form is actually great news for West Ham’s Champions League hopes
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