The Hammers are no strangers to opening day victories beating Newcastle 4-2 last season but with (D2, L4) against City at the London Stadium they’ll have to play the perfect game to get anything out of the reigning PL champions. A goal or 2 from Scamacca on his debut would go some way to helping their chances. City’s record of (W3,L3) over last 6 opening fixtures isn’t ideal losing to Spurs 1-0 last season.
West Ham’s pre-season of 7 games has been inconsistent at best with good wins over Servette 0-2 and Ipswich 1-2 they’ve had 4 draws which all came against lesser sides and then a dismal 3-1 loss to Glasgow Rangers.
Man City will be disappointed losing 3-1 to Liverpool in the Community Shield so will look to get back to winning ways ASAP. Having a plethora of talent available to choose from I’m sure Haaland will be leading the line and is bound to get on the score sheet. Kalvin Phillips could also make his debut after his £45m transfer from Leeds.
In H2Hs over last 10 PL games City have won 80%, with 70% BTTS. Its 15 PL games since West Ham beat Man City. West Ham’s home record against City (W7, L8, D6)
Key stats
* City have won 8 out of last 10 H2H PL matches
* West Ham no win in last 4 matches
* BTTS in 80% of last 5 PL games for both teams
* BTTS in 80% of last 5 H2Hs
* City unbeaten in last 18 PL away games (W14, D4)
I reckon this will have goals galore, a real feast so over 5.5 goals is our tip, possibly 2-4 being the correct score and Haaland to score anytime is a banker. It should be a good afternoon in the sunshine for the Citizens and I fully expect them to steamroller West Ham.
