“West Ham doesn’t know their team yet. I wouldn’t be surprised IF…” – TalkSPORT talks about West Ham game against Man City, talks about West Ham current form.

Manchester City has kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign on a high note, securing two victories from their opening games. The defending champions began their season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Chelsea away from home, followed by a convincing 4-1 win against Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium. These results have placed City at the top of the Premier League table on goal difference.

Looking ahead, Manchester City is set to face West Ham United away at the London Stadium this Saturday. Ahead of this intriguing encounter, some pundits have begun to analyze the potential outcomes and vulnerabilities of both teams.

Pundit Scott Minto’s Assessment

Scott Minto, a former footballer and current pundit on Premier League All Access, shared his thoughts on Manchester City’s upcoming clash with West Ham. Minto stated, “Well, I don’t know if it’d be routine. I think City can be vulnerable in the counter-attack. There’s no doubt about that.” This observation has sparked discussions about City’s defensive strategy, particularly against teams known for their counter-attacking abilities.

West Ham United, under the management of David Moyes, have shown they can be dangerous on the break. Players like Jarrod Bowen, known for his speed and attacking prowess, pose a significant threat to any defense. Minto highlighted Bowen’s pace as a key factor, noting, “West Ham have pace, especially in the likes of Jarrod Bowen. I’m fascinated to see whether [Niclas] Fullkrug is going to start. I think now at some point, I’d like to see him playing for West Ham in the Premier League.”

While Minto acknowledged the potential threat West Ham could pose, he remained confident in Manchester City’s overall strength and quality. He expressed his belief that City would likely come out on top, stating, “I think West Ham are still getting to know their team. I think later on in the season, this would be more difficult, but yeah, I’d fancy City to win. I wouldn’t be surprised if West Ham score, but City to win this one.”

City’s Defensive Record and Concerns

Despite their attacking prowess, Manchester City’s defensive record from the previous season leaves room for improvement. Last season, City conceded 34 goals, compared to Arsenal’s 29, who boasted the best defensive record. While City scored the most goals in the league (96), their defense wasn’t as impenetrable. This statistic indicates that City, despite their dominance, could have defensive vulnerabilities, which Minto hinted West Ham might exploit.

Ian Wright, another football pundit, has suggested that Manchester City could be “invincible” this year, implying a belief in their potential to dominate the league. However, Minto’s comments suggest a more cautious approach, pointing out that City’s defense might not be as solid as some believe. These differing perspectives highlight the unpredictable nature of football, where even the strongest teams can have weak spots.

In their opening two games of the current season, Manchester City has only conceded one goal, which suggests a strong defensive start. However, maintaining this form will be crucial as the season progresses, especially against teams capable of executing quick counter-attacks like West Ham.

West Ham’s Approach and Potential Challenges for City

West Ham’s style of play under David Moyes often emphasizes a compact defense and quick transitions into attack, utilizing the pace of wingers and forwards. This approach could pose challenges for Manchester City, especially if West Ham executes their game plan effectively. The London Stadium’s atmosphere can also be a challenging environment for visiting teams, adding to the difficulty level of this fixture for City.

Minto’s point about West Ham still getting to know their team suggests that the Hammers are in a period of adaptation and development. New signings and tactical adjustments take time to gel, and this early-season clash might not be an accurate reflection of West Ham’s potential strength later in the campaign. Nevertheless, a well-organized West Ham side with a clear strategy could still pose problems for City.

Prediction and Expectations

While Manchester City enters this match as favorites, Scott Minto’s analysis reminds fans and analysts that no game in the Premier League can be taken lightly. City’s potential vulnerability on the counter-attack, combined with West Ham’s pace and attacking capabilities, makes this match an intriguing prospect.

A win for City would solidify their position at the top of the table and continue their perfect start to the season. On the other hand, a positive result for West Ham could be a statement of intent and boost their confidence going forward. With both teams looking to assert themselves, this match promises to be an exciting encounter.

In conclusion, Manchester City’s clash with West Ham United is shaping up to be a compelling fixture, with both sides having clear strengths and potential weaknesses. While City’s attacking firepower and quality give them the edge, West Ham’s counter-attacking threat could test City’s defensive resilience. As always, the Premier League is set to deliver another thrilling weekend of football, with this match being one of the standout fixtures.