Chris Sutton predicts West Ham United clash v Manchester City in new Niclas Fullkrug verdict
West Ham United will head into the international break on the back of a defeat to Manchester City on Saturday 31 August, according to Chris Sutton.
The BBC Sport pundit believes that Julen Lopetegui’s side won’t be able to extend their winning run to three matches in all competitions, predicting that the Premier League champions will win 3-1 at the London Stadium.
Although Sutton expects the Hammers to get on the scoresheet against Pep Guardiola’s side, he doesn’t believe the Irons will be able to stop City, despite heaping praise on Niclas Fullkrug.
Writing for BBC Sport (29 August) he said: “I can’t see anyone stopping Man City at this time, they just dominate teams, dominate games. I think that City will win this one.
“West Ham, it looks like Michael Antonio will lead the line. I love Niklas Fullkrug and would love to see him get a start, I don’t know whether he will because Antonio was on the bench in the League Cup.
“I think West Ham will score but I think Man City will score more.”
Can Carlos Soler play for West Ham v Manchester City at the London Stadium?
There is certainly a feel-good feeling around the London Stadium at this moment in time after a busy transfer window which has seen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten completely revamp the playing squad.
While deadline day signing Carlos Soler is unlikely to have been registered in time to feature against the Premier League champions, the former Real Madrid manager has plenty of alternatives to turn to for Saturday afternoon’s game.
Most pundits and journalists expect the Hammers to mount a serious European push this season. While beating City alone won’t ensure that the Irons manage a top-six finish, it would be a massive statement of intent.
Hopefully, the Hammers can manage something special and find a way of stopping Guardiola’s winning machine at the London Stadium. It won’t be easy, but what a way that would be to wrap up one of the most exciting summers in East London.
In other West Ham news, Andy Irving made a last-minute London Stadium exit call amid transfer interest on deadline day
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