West Ham welcome Manchester City to the London Stadium for what is always a daunting game but this time not just for the Hammers.
When West Ham play Manchester City the fixture always feels ominous.
Most clubs likely feel that way about playing the Premier League champions of course.
But with the Hammers there seems to be an extra sense of inevitability about the outcome when Man City come to town.
A win on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the League Cup is West Ham’s only victory over Manchester City for nine years.
Indeed West Ham have only tasted victory in three games against the Cityzens since 2006.
Julen Lopetegui has described the team his compatriot Pep Guardiola has put together as one of the best in the history of football.
But the Hammers have been busy overhauling their squad with some widely praised transfer business ahead of the clash at the London Stadium.
Guardiola fears ‘incredible’ weapon-grade West Ham
While Man City have made minor tweaks to their already amazing team, West Ham have completely revamped theirs.
The Irons have brought in nine signings including Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who was almost single-handedly responsible for stopping Manchester City winning the FA Cup back in May as he added Jeremy Doku to the list of top wingers he has pocketed.
Guardiola and Lopetegui’s fellow Spaniard Carlos Soler became the ninth and final addition of West Ham’s window before the meeting with Man City overnight.
Soler won’t be available for this game of course but West Ham now have a squad bursting with quality and options.
It’s a stark contrast from the small squad David Moyes liked to operate with.
And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the world’s best manager.
Man City boss seriously impressed by West Ham’s window
Because Man City boss Guardiola fears ‘incredible’ weapon-grade West Ham after their summer signings.
Guardiola also praised Lopetegui and said he will need time to knit things together at West Ham.
“New managers at new places always needs time – he is experienced,” Guardiola told Man City’s website.
“At Real Madrid, the national team at Spain, Sevilla is so demanding.
“He has lots of experience and is an unbelievable person.
“West Ham already had a really good squad and this summer they brought in new top players.
“Especially upfront they have incredible weapons – they are a really strong team.”
It certainly looks that way on paper. Now Lopetegui must get the players gelling together as he looks to implement a new style and philosophy.
Lopetegui is up and running at West Ham with two wins on the bounce ahead of Saturday’s massive test against Manchester City.
But the Hammers have ridden their luck in victories over Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
There will be no room for that against Man City. And that’s where the quality the Hammers have brought in will have to shine through.
West Ham had slight concerns over three top stars for City.
But perhaps the Hammers’ best news on deadline day came from Man City.
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