With the season well under way and transfers all wrapped up, it’s becoming increasingly obvious to all West Ham fans that competition for places is becoming increasingly high.
The bench we fielded against Newcastle was sublime, having players like Carroll, Obiang, Jenko and new boys Antonio and Jelavic, it does seem we are in a different class from previous years.
The debate is rife and I could not truly know what Bilic is planning, however I will have my best guess. Nobody can know weather Bilic will stick a new boy in, or stay with a similar system that hasn’t disappointed so far. With Allardyce we know that he’d be cautious and unwilling to through players in the mist of it; however with Bilic he has already thrown a few supprises at us and I’m sure there’s more to come.
Nevertheless, due to seeing the system in the other games we’ve played, I’ve decided to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
So, without further ado, here is a predicted eleven for Man City.
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Since Adrian’s kick to Vardy’s chest, it’s been Randolph between the sticks.
After showing poor form in some of the European qualifying matches many fans (including myself) doubted his abilities. There were even rumours suggesting we were looking for alternatives already in the likes of former hammer Robert Green.
Nevertheless, Randolph has proved his doubters wrong! The question is whether to start him ahead of Adrian.
Although Randolph probably deserves it, I think the fact we are playing Man City puts Adrian in prime position to take back his spot right away.
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With Ogbonna out injured, Tomkins will revert to his preferred role at the heart of the defense. This will therefore leave the right back spot to Jenkinson.
Although he has had a shaky start, we know what Jenkinson is capable of, and hopefully he can revert back to last seasons form sooner rather than later.
Reid has had a solid start to the season and really is beginning to look like a top class defender. If he keeps his form up, I think we can be very hopeful of a good defensive record this year.
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This therefore leaves the spot open for Tomkins. Although maybe third choice center back now, Tomkins has played extremely well this season.
He has managed to keep Jenkinson out of his right back spot, and a good performance tomorrow may mean he can do the same to Ogbonna.
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Nevertheless, since that game he has not disappointed and therefore there should be no reason he’d loose his spot in the starting eleven.
I must say that in the game on Monday, Cresswell’s link up with Moses was beautiful to watch!
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He had a good game once again and will certainly not be left out against City. When Song returns competition in this area of the park will certainly increase, but for the time being I think its safe to say Noble will occupy this role.
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He has continued that form into this season and cemented his position of being one of the first names on the team sheet. Due to this, its no doubt Kouyate will be at the heart of the midfield come tomorrow.
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Nevertheless, due to Bilic playing a very counter attacking style of play and having a risk-taking attitude, I’m putting my money on Antonio gaining his first Premier League appearance.
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From Gary Neville comparing him to Tevez, to David Gold stating he’s the best we’ve had since Devonshire, there is a great deal of hype surrounding the French international.
Either way, Payet has not been fazed at all and is looking better and better every time he walks out on the pitch. For these reasons, Payet will certainly be playing Saturday.
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I did feel for him when the bar denied him of a debut goal; luckily Payet was on guard to slot it home after. Either way, Moses had a very strong debut, showing the class he possesses. I can’t see Bilic leaving him out after such an impressive display.
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That just leaves Carroll and Sakho. Carroll made an emotional return to the side on Monday, however he only played a matter of minutes and therefore cant really be given a full analysis.
Bilic has been cautious with Carroll’s injury, and therefore would suggest Sakho will be given the nod this time around. However, who knows what’ll happen further down the line.
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