Manchester City begin the defence of their Premier League title with a trip to West Ham this weekend, as the champions take on David Moyes’ side at the London Stadium.
Both sides have big-money centre-forwards in line to make their Premier League debuts, with Gianluca Scamacca set for his Hammers’ bow and Erling Haaland set to line up for the visitors.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a the clash in the capital.
Form
West Ham
A new season means a fresh slate for Premier League clubs, who will all be hoping to begin the campaign with a positive result.
David Moyes’ side have enjoyed a mixed pre-season as the Hammers look to build on finishes of sixth and seventh across the past two campaigns, performances which have seen European football return to the club.
From seven friendly fixtures across the summer, West Ham have won twice, drawn four, and lost just once. The Irons’ wins came against Swiss side Servette and third-tier outfit Ipswich Town, while their sole defeat of the summer came to Europa League runners-up Rangers.
Putting in the work ?
A first look at our new No.7 in training! ??⚒ pic.twitter.com/R28RCzvsHQ
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 3, 2022
Clashes with Boreham Wood, Luton Town, Reading and RC Lens all ended in draws.
Manchester City
City’s pre-season campaign has been minimal, with just three fixtures – including the Community Shield – played before their season opener in east London.
Pep Guardiola’s side travelled to the United States for friendly wins over Club America and Bayern Munich, but produced a disappointing performance in defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield last weekend.
Putting in the work ?#ManCity pic.twitter.com/ja9UGWdBjg
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 3, 2022
The champions looked off the pace and short of fitness in comparison to last season’s FA Cup winners.
City’s short pre-season has been designed around a lengthy campaign that contains a mid-season World Cup, though could Guardiola’s plans lead to a slow start?
Last Meeting
West Ham 2-2 Manchester City, May 15 2022
The penultimate round of fixtures last season saw the teams meet in an entertaining clash at the London Stadium, as a spirited performance from West Ham ensured the title race went down to the final day.
The Hammers took a 2-0 lead into the half-time break thanks to a brilliant brace from Jarrod Bowen, whose intelligent movement twice saw the winger race in behind to score.
City bounced back after the break with Jack Grealish reducing the arrears four minutes after the restart, before Vladimir Coufal’s own goal brought the sides level and earned the visitors a point. However, Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty and the chance to seal a comeback win for City.
It was the first time that City had come from two goals down to earn a result under Guardiola. City repeated the trick on the final day, securing a 3-2 win over Aston Villa to be crowned champions.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen; Antonio, Scamacca.
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva; Mahrez, Foden, Haaland.
Who is the referee?
Michael Oliver.
What channel is West Ham v Man City on?
UK and Irish viewers can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event.
What time is kick off?
Sunday August 7, 16:30 BST.
Odds
West Ham – 7/1
Draw – 17/4
Man City – 4/11
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