West Ham vs. Man City: Predicted Line-up for Premier League return

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Manchester City’s Portuguese defender Ruben Dias (L) celebrates with Manchester City’s English defender John Stones after the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on February 27, 2021. – Manchester City won the match 2-0. (Photo by Gareth Copley / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Whilst Ake is a strong contender, with solid performances during last season and preseason. The partnership with Dias just doesn’t seem to work as well as others, though he can fit in nicely at left-back for better defensive structure.

If it wasn’t for injuries, I am convinced that our very own John Stones would be the best centre back the Premier League has ever seen. He has everything, other than a good fitness record which impacts his consistency.

Big John made only 14 Premier League appearances last season, though his stats are incredible despite this. Recording 11 wins and one loss. Contributing to eight clean sheets with a 60% tackle success rate.

Impressively, out of 58 aerial battles, he won a huge Phil Foden, 47. As well as 66 out of 82 duels. He brings a stability and finesse to the backline, with the ability to stride forward with the ball effortlessly.

His distribution from the back is something that we miss when both he and Laporte are unavailable. Though it was his mega partnership with Dias that impressed to a record-breaking streak during the 20/21 title-winning season.

Speaking of…..

As mentioned, his partnership with Stones seems to be the most solid amongst some good choices within the squad.

Last season, Dias made 29 Premier League appearances with 23 wins and 3 losses. Another centre back that missed out on a number of games due to injury towards the backend of the season.

Despite conceding 18 goals, he assisted in keeping 12 clean sheets with a good tackle success rate, higher than that of Stones, at 73%.

The Portuguese had a particularly good time in front of goal in 21/22 with 2 goals and 4 assists which seems to have gone a little under the radar during what was an extra-long season, with Liverpool breathing down our necks.

With Laporte being out, a Stones and Dias reunion could be just what the Manchester City defence needs ahead of the new season with rivals ready to chase the blues down.