In the second part of this feature we continue our chat with West Ham superfan @adamsmiiith from the fansite Green St Hammers to preview the upcoming match.
Manchester City start their Premier League Title Defence away to West Ham United and we speak with a West Ham fan to preview the match.
Green St Hammers: With just a few signings this summer, albeit extremely strong signings, do you feel your squad is primed and ready for another strong start to the season?
Man City Square: We have the best squad we have ever had but it has taken a while to assemble. Adding 1 or 2 players a year is where we are rather than an annual rebuild. Rodri was needed as Fernandinho is 34 and we have been looking for a replacement for 18 months. Cancelo is a player I didn’t realise we needed but seems to allow us a tactical fluidity. I expect us to start strong.
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Green St Hammers: Do you expect newcomers Rodri and Cancelo (possibly) to play in the season opener?
Man City Square: Rodri will start as Fernandinho has only just returned to training. Cancelo will most likely be deployed from the bench if we change formation. Cancelo will play as a right wing back, allowing Bernardo to drift inside.
Green St Hammers: When looking at West Ham what is your initial thought on how the team is constructed?
Man City Square: I like West Ham a lot anyway as I feel the club is a lot like ours. The side Pellers is building may be your best since the 1980s and you should have a good season. You have quality in key positions but probably still lack depth in others. You are possibly another few players short of challenging for major honours.
Green St Hammers: Who do you feel is the biggest threat to score against your side in the season opener?
Man City Square: I think your biggest goal threat will end up being a tall defender! We mark zonally so you will have a 6ft 4inch defender of yours being marked by Raheem at a corner!
Green St Hammers: Who do you think the most important player on the pitch will be for West Ham this season?
Man City Square: Over the course of a season Declan Rice will be key for you. Pellers wants to play free flowing attacking football and it needs an anchor to survive against the counter attacks.
Green St Hammers: The Hammers offense has rounded into form to close out their preseason tour but the defense still has questions. How will Pep attack the Irons in this match?
Man City Square: I think our plan will change consistently during the game. Some of it will depend upon whether you set up to press or not. I think we will be changing formation and switching positions at speed – at least for 70 minutes until we run out of energy!
Green St Hammers: Who should Pellegrini circle as the main goal threat to score against?
Man City Square: The goal threat we pose an least initially in the opening phases of the match will come from our midfield as we switch play. So Kevin De Bruyne, but don’t be surprised if we second guess your attempts to mark him by playing him deep and allowing Rodri to move forward.
Green St Hammers: If you could pluck one player from our team to drop into your starting XI, replacing someone on your starting team, who would it be?
Man City Square: Our squad is so good at the moment I don’t covet any players. If we were take any Hammers we would probably look at Rice because cover for Rodri is limited and we will end up playing 60 games this season. I have always thought Lanzini would be useful in our midfield but we have no space for non home grown players!
Green St Hammers: What is your score prediction for this match?
Man City Square: I am always anxious on the eve of a season because there are so many variables, so I worry about a narrow loss. A bad VAR decision or random red card. I hope to see a City victory, maybe 3:1 !
Green St Hammers: Where will West Ham finish this season?
Man City Square: I think West Ham will finish in the top 7 this year, maybe as high as 6th. Depends on others too and if you can find goals. The lad from Germany you have signed is going to need to stay injury free too as your cover is limited!
Read the first part of our chat by clicking on the link below: