The Pep Guardiola era is well and truly underway in Manchester. After a somewhat unconvincing 2-1 home win against Sunderland to open the season, Pep’s men have begun turning up the style. They thrashed Steaua Bucharest 5-0 in Champions League qualifying, and smashed Stoke 4-1 away from home.
Sergio Aguero has simply been unstoppable to start the season. The superstar striker has already scored six goals in his first three games, and could have had more had he not missed twice from the penalty spot against Steaua. Raheem Sterling has flourished in Pep’s new system after a difficult debut season with the club. New signing Nolito has also fit into the team right away with three goals in his last three games.
There shouldn’t be too many surprises with how this game will play out. City controlled a whopping 77 percent possession in their first home game against Sunderland, and should be able to continue dominating the ball, albeit to a slightly lesser extent, against West Ham.
With the form Aguero and co. are currently in in front of goal and with the number of chances they’re likely to create, it’ll be hard to bet against them getting at least a couple of goals at home. City have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight home games against West Ham. They won all seven of those games.
West Ham’s offense hasn’t yet hit the heights of last season. The Hammers, who were tied for fourth last season with 65 goals, have just two in two games thus far after a 2-1 loss to Chelsea and a 1-0 win against Bournemouth. They were also knocked out of the Europa League after a shock 1-0 loss at home to FK Astra Giurgiu in midweek.
Injuries to forwards Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini, and Andre Ayew have been a major reason for the offense’s slow start, as has the limited playing time of Dimitri Payet. The French star, who supplied 12 goals and 14 assists for the club last season, has played just 23 minutes in the first two games due to his Euro 2016 exertions.
West Ham were a handful for top sides to handle away from home last season. With their defense sitting deep and Payet leading quick counterattacks, the Hammers scored big wins over Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City on the road. They also drew with Leicester and Manchester United.
City’s defense, which still has a few question marks, has yet to be truly tested this season, particularly by a team that can counterattack effectively. The Hammers should be the first team to do so against City thanks to Payet, Lanzini, and Michail Antonio.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s midfield trio of Havard Nordtveit, Mark Noble, and Cheikhou Kouyate will battle hard and prevent City from completely taking over the middle of the pitch.
Writer’s Prediction
City continue to roll under Pep as they cruise to a 3-1 win. But with their odds to win so low, consider taking the total to go over 3.0 goals for added value.
