Off the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield, Manchester City will look to start their 2022/23 Premier League campaign positively.
Pep Guardiola started a full strength side against Liverpool, while also opting for Ederson over Stefan Ortega Moreno in goal despite it being a cup competition.
Looking towards Sunday afternoon, Manchester City will be well aware of West Ham’s capabilities under manager David Moyes.
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In the last fixture between the two sides, City were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw, after Riyad Mahrez failed to convert from the penalty spot late on in the game to take all three points.
Ahead of what is sure to be an exciting first game week in the 2022/23 season, here’s how we think Manchester City will line-up at the London Stadium!
Predicted Team:
Ederson is certain to start between the sticks off the back of what was a very solid performance at most parts against Liverpool.
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Manchester City’s reliable number two, Kyle Walker, will look to cement his place in the team for the sixth season running.
Meanwhile, unnamed captain Ruben Dias could once again command the backline as he did against Liverpool.
After a rather disappointing display from Nathan Ake last weekend, John Stones may come back into the side alongside Dias.
As the club's search for a natural left-back continues deeper into the summer, Joao Cancelo is a certainty to start in the role this weekend.
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Despite the £42 million signing of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United this summer, we think Rodri will screen the back line as he usually does so effectively.
A potential overload in attacking options left the midfield exposed last weekend, so we think Ilkay Gundogan could come in to provide balance.
Kevin De Bruyne should then obviously slot into the midfield to provide his brilliance.
After sub par performances from both Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish last time out, we believe the pair will be replaced by Phil Foden and new signing Julian Alvarez.
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Lastly, Pep Guardiola will keep faith in the main man Erling Haaland in the striker role, in the hope of seeing the Norwegian international redeem himself from his infamous miss against Liverpool.
Predicted Team: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne; Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez.
Substitutes: Stefan Ortega Moreno, Nathan Ake, Luke Mbete, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Kalvin Phillips, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Cole Palmer.
Topics: West Ham United, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Louis Writtle