Paul Merson expects Pablo Fornals and Michail Antonio will be at the centre of West Ham United’s efforts to beat Manchester City on Sunday, as noted in his Sportskeeda column.
But the Arsenal icon doubts David Moyes can see that the Hammers cause an upset at the Etihad Stadium. Noting that while they beat Liverpool, Wolves got the better of the Irons.
West Ham shocked Liverpool at the London Stadium earlier this month to deal the Reds’ their first defeat this term. But failed to build on the momentum when they visited Wolves.
Bruno Lage’s Molineux natives kept Lukasz Fabianski busy before Raul Jimenez ended the Hammers’ four-match win streak.
Wolves controlled the second-half after weathering West Ham’s early promise, and Merson feels the match showed Moyes what his toughest task at the Irons helm now is.
“West Ham beat Liverpool this month, but lost what should’ve been a run-of-the-mill game against Wolves,” Merson wrote.
“That’s been the problem with them this season. They’ve found out that it’s easy to get into the top-four, but the hardest thing is to stay there.
“West Ham are going to set up on the counter [on Sunday] with Fornals and Antonio. But I can’t see them beating Manchester City.”
Manchester City not unbeatable, but a tough side for West Ham to overcome
West Ham slipped to fourth in the Premier League standings after losing at Wolves, having started the weekend third.
They now trail Liverpool by two-points for third, but will stay fourth no matter the result at Manchester City, barring an astounding turn around on goal difference.
Pep Guardiola’s side have not been unbeatable at the Etihad Stadium so far this season, to offer Moyes some hope.
Southampton held the Citizens to a goalless draw in September, while Crystal Palace won 2-0 last month.
But Everton found Manchester City are still flat-track bullies when on song last week. They brushed past Rafa Benitez’s side with ease, with Rodri central to the show.
The Spaniard played a game-high number of accurate passes and more than the Toffees line-up with 110 to 70, per WhoScored. He also unleashed an unstoppable 25-yard drive.
West Ham will need to be at the top of their game if they are to get a result at Manchester City. With Moyes likely relying on Fornals and Antonio’s ability to press to lead the way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
