Amid all the fun of the transfer window deadline day fair it’s easy to forget West Ham have a big match against Man City in less than 24 hours.
New head coach Julen Lopetegui is up and running at West Ham with two wins on the bounce ahead of Saturday’s massive test against Manchester City.
The Hammers have ridden their luck in victories over Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
Make no mistake West Ham must improve when champions Man City rock up to the London Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side have started the season as they left off last – winning.
With two wins from two and a full week of rest behind them, Man City will be a daunting task for new-look West Ham.
West Ham’s best news of the day from Man City
Lopetegui has described Manchester City as one of the best teams in the history of football.
And as far recent football history goes, Man City certainly have the better of this fixture. As is the case for Man City with most of West Ham’s Premier League rivals, though, it must be said.
Aaron Cresswell will definitely be missing for West Ham.
And there have been some slight concerns over a key Hammers trio ahead of the big clash.
Most of the focus in the build up to the match has been on transfers.
West Ham look set to sign Carlos Soler and possibly one other before 11pm shut off.
Any new arrivals will not be available for the game against Man City as registration closed at midday on Friday for Saturday’s fixtures.
But forget transfers because the best news of the day for West Ham is who Man City will be missing.
Phil Foden missing for Man City clash with West Ham
Phil Foden has an excellent record against West Ham.
And he has been a thorn in the Hammers’ side in game between the two clubs.
Foden was absent from the Man City squad to take on Ipswich on Saturday with illness.
And amid all the transfer gossip today was a nugget of great news for West Ham.
Because Guardiola revealed in his press conference that Foden is still unwell and is out of contention for West Ham.
West Ham will be mightily relieved at that news.
One look at Foden’s record against the Hammers explains why.
Foden has only faced two teams more times in a Man City shirt than West Ham.
Man City star Foden is a thorn in West Ham’s side
The mercurial playmaker has played against the Hammers 11 times, winning nine, drawing one and losing just once.
He has four goals in those games too.
If West Ham are trying to look for signs of relief ahead of the daunting clash, there may also be further encouragement from Guardiola’s presser.
He revealed talisman Rodri has been slowly working his way back into contention after a prolonged rest following Spain’s win in the European Championship.
Rodri has only started training with the Man City squad this week for the first time since his return. Not that will likely impact his performance given how brilliant a player he is.
Mateo Kovacic, who has started the season well, also suffered an injury against Ipswich which made him a doubt for West Ham.
The Croatian has been training, but it remains to be seen whether the actual game might come too soon.
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