BBC pundit shares key reason why West Ham United could upset Manchester City
West Ham United’s post-international break clash with Manchester City has come at an opportune time, according to Asmir Begovic.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily (14 September), the former Premier League and current QPR shot-stopper claimed that catching a team straight after the international break is a “good time” to face top opposition.
Begovic notes West Ham’s fresh “confidence” after their good start to the season which may spur them on for an upset on 16 September.
Begovic said: “Any time you catch a team straight after an international break when players have been travelling it can be a good time.
“There may be a bit of jet lag or tiredness and West Ham will be full of confidence after their start. They will not mind being without the ball as they really like counter-attacking football and set pieces suit West Ham.”
No lose situation
While, admittedly, West Ham could quite literally lose this game, as far as the outlook on the club, any result will be taken in stride.
The Hammers find themselves fourth in the Premier League – unprecedented considering their poor league form last season.
Manchester City, naturally, leads the race for the title again, but with a huge squad of mostly international players, the likes of Erling Haaland and Kyle Walker may have achy legs coming into the clash.
While the Irons have their fair share of international stars, including Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez, David Moyes’ football is slightly less intense than Pep Guardiola’s.
Begovic touches on this by noting that the Irons will be happy without possession and can rely on their deadly counter-attacking.
A betting man may avoid a big-money gamble on a West Ham win, but amid their excellent form, Guardiola’s perfect start may be spoiled.
In other West Ham news, Kevin Nolan has shared fresh details about Harry Maguire’s failed Manchester United exit.