WestHamFirm

Sam1 · Fri Aug 10, 2007 2:44 pm West Ham v Man city preview

West Ham begin their campagin on home soil after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. The visit of Man city to raise the curtains willl no doubt be a hard and interesting contest.

West Ham are without club captain Lucas Neill and new signing Scott Parker which leaves manager Curbishley looking for a captain. Man City, led by ex England manager Sven Goran-Erikkson have three of their new signings doubtful having not yet been given international clearnence.

One site many fans will enjoy is that of striker Dean Ashton returning Upton Park to play his first competitive game for over a year. The striker has been in impressive form during pre season, which he capped off with a sensational single goal against Roma in the clubs friendly last Saturday.

Both teams look even and many are finidng it hard to pick a winner therefore many suspect a draw. However, since West Ham returned to the premiership there opening games have been played at Upton park against Blackburn and Charlton, both games ended in a 3-1 win for the hammers.

A tightly contested afternoon could being decided by a mistake in the backline of either team or a bit of luck.

Key men:

West Ham- Dean Ashton: Having been out for over a year he will be wanting to get back on the scoresheet and continue his fine form from pre season.

Man City- Elano: If given international clearence he will become a menace for the Hammers backline.

Milestones:

West Ham- Freddie Ljungberg and Craig Bellamy look set to make their debuts.
If called upon Richard Wright may also make his Hammers debut

Man City- Rolando Bianchi, Geovanni, Gelson Fernandes, Javi Garrido and Martin Petrov are all clear to start and make their debuts for Man City.

Injuries:

West Ham- Lucas Neill (Knee)
Scott Parker (Knee)
Julien Faubert (Ruptured achillies tendon)

Man City- Andreas Isaksson (Fractured thumb)

Main fact- Manchester City have only won once in their last ten games of the opening day of the season.

Peter Parka · Fri Aug 10, 2007 4:28 pm

A good preview! :D I wonder who will be captain tomorrow?

Sam1 · Fri Aug 10, 2007 5:23 pm

My money is on Bellamy or Ljungberg as they captain there countries.

MsAnnaRak · Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:59 pm

I just want to say Sam how much I've been enjoying your articles, well done!! Keep it up!

I think either Bellamy or Freddie will be captain too.

hemelhammer · Sat Aug 11, 2007 2:43 pm

Yeah man I thought that was professionally done for a min untill I read down at Petes comments lol Good Preview! :D

Sam1 · Sat Aug 11, 2007 2:44 pm

Thanks everyone i really appreciate those comments.