Ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham at the Etihad, we spoke to Read West Ham editor Michael Oliver about the Hammers’ prospects, recent forms, and players to watch out for. Here’s the full interview.
1. West Ham suffered an embarrassing defeat to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night. Do you think that will affect their confidence levels going into the clash with City on Sunday?
Last night was an embarrassment for Bilic, the players and everyone associated with West Ham. We got complacent and thought it was over, and those Romanian farmers did a number on us, and rightly so. We don’t deserve European football. The players will be down, demoralised about last night, but that’s in the past now, no point reflecting on it. Last season the same thing happened, and we arrived at the Emirates and turned Arsenal over. No reason in theory why we can’t do the same to City on Sunday.
2. Last year, West Ham got a win at the Etihad by absorbing pressure and hitting City on the counter. Will Slaven Bilic go into this match with the same tactics?
To be fair, I don’t think it was as cut and dry as that. In the first half, I thought we were more than a match for City, had our fair share of possession, created more chances and took them. The second half was very much a backs to the wall effort, but we can win ugly these days. With the injuries we have (likely Payet and Lanzini won’t be fit to start), we’ll approach the game with a more defensive mindset, but we have pace in wide areas and will look to break when the chance presents itself.
3. Which West Ham player should City be most wary of on Sunday?
I feel Michail Antonio will be key on Sunday. His pace and dribbling skills are needed. We know City are going to have a lot of possession, but when we do steal the ball back, it’s imperative we give it to the wingers and let them run at the defence. Maybe they beat a man and get a cross in, maybe they’re fouled, and we pick up a dangerous free kick. City will press high and dominate territory. Antonio and Tore for that fact will be key in bringing the ball out from the back and relieving pressure on the defence and gaining territory.
4. West Ham seem to have a lot, so please could you summarise the Hammers’ injury concerns?
Well, it’s a bloody long list! Bilic confirmed at his Friday press conference that both Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet could be fit enough for the bench on Sunday, and one of them could feature, but we’ve heard that for a week now and neither have played or even made the bench.
Andy Carroll faces at least another month on the sidelines with a hyperextended knee suffered in Romania. Of course, Andre Ayew and Aaron Cresswell are out until last November with thigh and knee injuries respectively. Havard Nordtveit is expected to miss out with a knock suffered against Astra on Thursday. Sofiane Feghouli won’t be back until after the international break with a hamstring strain. Diafra Sakho isn’t match fit and has a back problem anyway while Mark Noble should return on Sunday – positives!
5. Which City player are you most scared of?
All of them. But, if I’m forced to pick one, it’s hard to look away from Sergio Aguero. He looks in superb form and is hungry for goals. This system seems to be getting the best out of him, and he’s going to be the Premier League Golden Boot winner – hardly surprising.
6. And finally, your match prediction please.
Hopes aren’t high after watching that dismal display on Thursday night. Injuries to key players will be hard for us to overcome and City look seriously good. 3-0 City.
Thanks to Read West Ham editor Michael Oliver for speaking to our editor, Jack Brain.
