Just Maybe...

[walmai]

...we can show up chez the champions elect and make our presence felt.

It would be nice to emerge with a point, but I am setting a little lower our sights and suggesting we're fair set to be the first team to register one past Joe Hart this season.

And, even though we've got the best team you'll have seen for many a year, my hopes are testament to the genuine nod to 'champions elect' so early on this season. 11 straight wins is monumental.

Our best hopes seem to be that you rest Kompany; that you take time to shake off the disappointment of the Juve game and that we can push up into your half of the pitch early. The real change Bilic has made to our game, since Sam and his 'get in the way, keep the g/d solid' got tin tacked, is that pressure is put on your FB's early. Victor Moses is undoubtedly an upgrade on Matt Jarvis, you may be surprised to learn. Lanzini scored at Anfield (albeit against one of the Prem's crappest defences), but also ran his wing for the whole game, competitive throughout.

And then...Payet. We've not seen the like since Paolo.

Hence the 'just maybe'.

We've never won at Anfield and Arsenal in the league in the same season. We've this time around done them both. 2 clean sheets. 5 goals. 5 different scorers.

Its been a long old time since we got any joy at all at your place.

Given that it'd be at the expense of Chelsea, Arsenal and the ridiculous Man United, its a given that not one of us would complain if you won the title this season. You can absorb a loss or two on the way.

Here's to a game that entertains through competition for the whole 90.

COYI

[Cocacolajojo1]

Cheers. Post more.

My bet is that you win. Actually. I hope not though :)

[South Stand Balti]

Quick question Walmai. Why have the Hammers been so impressive this season and yet managed to lose at home to Bournemouth and Leicester? I understand you have the personnel to play well on the break but winning at Anfield and the Emirates still doesn't stack up somehow?

[Saul Goodman]

Payet looks quite the player. Real coup for the Hammers

[nottsblue]

Very tough fixture, make no mistake. Expect us to win but it won't be a stroll by any means. Payet looks a great signing and Moses has rediscovered his mojo again. If we get over Juventus quickly and focus on our game of pace and pressing we should do well

[City64]

I think it will be a good game if West Ham press upfield . not many teams try that at the Etihad ! Could be suicidal for them with our power , technical ability and pace ............. we will see ! Aguero is due a goal or two and can see De Bruyne starting with Sterling and Silva , yepp looking forward to it lol .
West Ham are a great club with proper fans , glad they have something to cheer and feel happy about this season and proper football to watch every week :-)

[Nigels Tackle]

i'm just glad that we always perform so well against counter attacking sides...

[walmai]

Quick question Walmai. Why have the Hammers been so impressive this season and yet managed to lose at home to Bournemouth and Leicester? I understand you have the personnel to play well on the break but winning at Anfield and the Emirates still doesn't stack up somehow?

I'll give it to Leicester; they're in fantastic form of late...One or two of their players are a bit niggly, but, fair's square, they beat us on the day.

Bournemouth was a cluster of rare madness, frankly. We handed 2 of their goals on a plate to them (in truth, we're a little fragile down the wings).

[walmai]

I think it will be a good game if West Ham press upfield . not many teams try that at the Etihad ! Could be suicidal for them with our power , technical ability and pace ............. we will see ! Aguero is due a goal or two and can see De Bruyne starting with Sterling and Silva , yepp looking forward to it lol .
West Ham are a great club with proper fans , glad they have something to cheer and feel happy about this season and proper football to watch every week :-)

So, is it De Bruyne, with Sterling and Silva either side of him, Aguero ahead?

Ouch.

[City64]

I think it will be a good game if West Ham press upfield . not many teams try that at the Etihad ! Could be suicidal for them with our power , technical ability and pace ............. we will see ! Aguero is due a goal or two and can see De Bruyne starting with Sterling and Silva , yepp looking forward to it lol .
West Ham are a great club with proper fans , glad they have something to cheer and feel happy about this season and proper football to watch every week :-)

So, is it De Bruyne, with Sterling and Silva either side of him, Aguero ahead?

Ouch.

If I was the manager yes ...........


but I aint ! lol

[WhyAlwaysMe?]

Quick question Walmai. Why have the Hammers been so impressive this season and yet managed to lose at home to Bournemouth and Leicester? I understand you have the personnel to play well on the break but winning at Anfield and the Emirates still doesn't stack up somehow?

I'll give it to Leicester; they're in fantastic form of late...One or two of their players are a bit niggly, but, fair's square, they beat us on the day.

Bournemouth was a cluster of rare madness, frankly. We handed 2 of their goals on a plate to them (in truth, we're a little fragile down the wings).

Newly promoted teams are always dangerous and hard to predict, since our PL teams are not used to playing against these teams' players and managers. City also struggled against the newly promoted teams, last season... So, City's first win against Watford was very important.

Would you be willing to make a deal & get Bilic & your team to agree, Walmai?
If City defeats the Hammers, in both home & away legs, both teams could then go on a historic record of wins, with City winning the PL title & West Ham in 2nd! In 3rd place could be Leicester & 4th could be filled by Bournemouth or Crystal Palace... Can you imagine the incredible repercussions of City & West Ham ousting all the usual Top 4 rivals, this season?
How lovely that would be!...

[iwasthere2012]

Stuck us down for a 2-1 win but in the back of my mind I'm kind of fearing the scenario you are hoping for.
I have a feeling you'll score first and we will fight for a win, with Kelechi coming on and rescuing us again.

Maybe, just maybe.

[Beefymcfc]

Cheers Walmai, but no, I'm not even thinking about it. More thinking about our last 6 or 7 games at our place ;-)

Ps. I'd suggest that you are looking sobgood because there's a few that are looking bad. I think BFS had you right up there last season, with about the same points as this.

[Blue Since 76]

Concerned about Saturday, but then surely no City fan of old can ever feel confident about a game. Payet is my fantasy football captain, so after getting two on Monday, I expect him to get sent off on Saturday.

2-1 City, West Ham to score first

[DoomMerchant]

Walllll may
Walllll may

The second best in all the land and all the world.

Cheers

[Pretty Boy Lee]

I also think you'll score this week, we can't keep a clean sheet every game and with a loss in our minds and some uncertainty about komps and also whether otamendi is going to take someone's place I think we will lose out clean sheet this week.

[phips]

West Ham should've won that Bournemouth game. Their fullbacks gave the Cherries their goals. Woeful fullback play.

[DoomMerchant]

I also think you'll score this week, we can't keep a clean sheet every game and with a loss in our minds and some uncertainty about komps and also whether otamendi is going to take someone's place I think we will lose out clean sheet this week.

Bite your tongue you jinx.

Cheers

[Dameerto]

Payet's an early contender for signing of the season - still early days obviously but he's playing like he's been at the club for years.

[Hazy2]

I have the in Law Hammers here for the weekend,beating you will keep them quietish as we pack my lad of to Leeds Uni, so down the irons and up the blues.