Manchester City in Pep Guardiola boost ahead of West Ham United showdown at London Stadium
Manchester City will have manager Pep Guardiola back in the dugout for their Premier League showdown with West Ham, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Guardiola missed City’s wins over Sheffield United and Fulham prior to the international break after undergoing surgery on a long-standing back issue.
The Catalan coach eyed up the trip to London Stadium on Saturday [16 September] for his possible comeback, and that now looks like being the case.
In an update provided by the Manchester Evening News on Monday [11 September], Simon Bajkowski reported: “Pep Guardiola is expected back in the UK on Wednesday to boost Manchester City preparations for their weekend game with West Ham United.
“Guardiola has recovered sufficiently to be expected back on Wednesday when the players will start coming back together following their efforts on international duty.
“How much of his normal role Guardiola is able to play remains to be seen given his recent surgery, but the City boss is set to return well in time to be able to be in the dugout for West Ham – even if he is not able to be as active there.”
In-form sides
Having Guardiola back in the dugout – even if he is not his usual animated self – will be a big boost for this weekend’s visitors.
The Man City boss has a great record against United down the years, having won 13 and lost just one of his 15 matches against them [Transfermarkt].
That includes 3-0 and 2-0 wins for City over the Hammers in the Premier League last season.
Before that, though, West Ham went unbeaten in three home matches against City in all competitions.
City head to East London in great form as ever, sitting as they do top of the Premier League with 12 points from a possible 12.
West Ham have themselves made a strong start, though, as they are one of four sides hot on City’s heels with 10 points so far.
It makes for an intriguing contest at the London Stadium, one in which West Ham will have a chance to lay down a serious early season marker.
In other West Ham news, journalist Luke Edwards says the Hammers will “not be at all happy” about some news that has emerged this week.