On Sky
We`re back on the Premier League trail with a home fixture against Manchester City. It`ll be a tough fixture but we`ll, urged on by Sam Allardyce, give a good account of ourselves. Maybe we can pull of a shock and get three points!
Vital Quotes:
Sam Allardyce remarking about the clash, reckons City`s poor away form and the fact they had more players on international duty could play into our hands, with the boss remarking,
‘I wouldn’t say they (Manchester City) were title favourites but I don’t do the stats that the bookies do. They have faltered away from home which hopefully we can capitalise on.
‘They’ve had a lot more players on international duty, probably more than we have, so we’ve got to think about that.’
West Ham United Team News:
Hammers supporters will be disappointed that James Collins will not be available after the centre back picked up a hamstring injury playing for Wales.
Carlton Cole, signed on a short term contract isn`t yet match fit whilst Andy Carroll is still on the comeback trail.
Player to watch: Mark Noble
A mainstay of our midfield this season, it`s interesting to know that Mark has created more goal-scoring chances than any other Premier League player this season.
Manchester City Team News:
City supporters will be hoping that Vincent Kompany will have shaken off a thigh injury that has troubled him. Jack Rodwell, previously out with a hamstring problem, is available for selection, as is Martin Demechelis, although the transfer window signing might be given further time to get match fit
Player to watch: Sergio Aguero
A class act, a class striker and somebody we`ll have to keep a close watch over.
Match Facts & Stats
Our record against Manchester City is pretty abysmal. We haven`t won any of our last six meetings, losing four and drawing two. But it gets worse, we`ve only won once in the last twelve meetings with eight losses and three draws in the record books. City are also unbeaten on their last three visits to our manor winning one and drawing two.
Ref Watch:
Our men in charge for this encounter against highly fancied Manchester City are:
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: S Burt, D England
Fourth Official: J Moss
Match Prediction:
It`s all about keeping the faith is it not! So, although our recent record against City doesn`t give us much hope of beating City I still reckon we`ll trouble them and the least we`ll get is a draw.
Next Fixtures:
Next up for the Hammers is a trip to South Wales, next Sunday, to take on Swansea.
