Manchester City 2-0 West Ham Utd (19/02/20)

[bubbles1966]

A bit weird, people saying it's a good time to play City.
A clear case of clutching at straws.

Logically, they would play far harder if they were in the race for the league - but they're not.
Logically, they would play far harder if they were chasing a Champions league place - but maybe they're not.
Logically, they would play far harder if they didn't have Real Madrid a week later, in what might be their only stab at the CL until 2023 - but they do.

We have our best, recently reinforced team fully fit.

None of this means we win or draw for sure - we could end up getting mullahed - but it's a relatively benign set of circumstances for what's often a horror show.

I'd be surprised to see them risk anyone who wasn't 100%, knowing that they play Real Madrid seven days later and a cup final a few days after that.

I'd be very disappointed if we gave them a 0-4 or 0-5 under this set of circumstances. We really should be expecting our lot to be competitive and give them a bit of a game.

[DM]

Logically, they would play far harder if they were in the race for the league - but they're not.
Logically, they would play far harder if they were chasing a Champions league place - but maybe they're not.
Logically, they would play far harder if they didn't have Real Madrid a week later, in what might be their only stab at the CL until 2023 - but they do.

We have our best, recently reinforced team fully fit.

None of this means we win or draw for sure - we could end up getting mullahed - but it's a relatively benign set of circumstances for what's often a horror show.

I'd be surprised to see them risk anyone who wasn't 100%, knowing that they play Real Madrid seven days later and a cup final a few days after that.

I'd be very disappointed if we gave them a 0-4 or 0-5 under this set of circumstances.

Since when did logic and West Ham exist in the same universe? Though you have a good point, well made. 2-0 to The Hammers it is then

[HammerMan2004]

Just heard Manchester United fans singing about Chelsea Rent Boys.

I’m assuming there’ll be same complaints about homophobic chanting?

[Happyhammer52]

Just heard Manchester United fans singing about Chelsea Rent Boys.

I’m assuming there’ll be same complaints about homophobic chanting?

Yep, certainly seems to be.

[vietnammer]

If we get so much as a draw the papers will be full of the 'crisis' at Man City

[hammerman11]

we wont get anything other than a thumping defeat. they are too good too professional too fit too committed for our part time players.

zabaleta talking the rubbish this time about being positive and going up there . just wish they would say nothing until after the match.

not long until moyes has another must win game against Southampton this time. he failed it last time !

[asters89]

Not going to say this is a free hit. A confidence sapping battering is bad news in the context of what we need to achieve for the rest of the season.

We have tended to fair less badly up at the Etihad than at home in past seasons. The last time we took a real pasting up there was in the league cup in 2014.

Keep it tight and try to nick something.

[Heysel76]

Just heard Manchester United fans singing about Chelsea Rent Boys.

I’m assuming there’ll be same complaints about homophobic chanting?

IT'S NOT BEING INVESTIGATED

[Ironing Board]

According to Hammers News.....

West Ham predicted team to face Man City:

Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Snodgrass, Bowen, Antonio, Haller.

[Puff Daddy]

According to Hammers News.....

West Ham predicted team to face Man City:

Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Snodgrass, Bowen, Antonio, Haller.

Tactics:- Charge !!

[e17]

Tactics:- Charge !!

Have you ever watched this manager’s teams away from home?

“Charge” :lol:

[dodger]

According to Hammers News.....

West Ham predicted team to face Man City:

Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Snodgrass, Bowen, Antonio, Haller.

That’s what I’d like to see, but I doubt it will be that. Reckon Moyes will go with Noble instead of Bowen.

[Ironing Board]

That’s what I’d like to see, but I doubt it will be that. Reckon Moyes will go with Noble instead of Bowen.

Don't see why he would. He dropped Noble before as he wanted 'more mobility' in the centre of the park. And he is a lot less mobile now than he was back then!

Not only that, but he is no longer having the influence he used to. At the very least there is a strong case that we should give him a rest.

[e17]

You’re all living in dream land if you think he’ll drop Lanzini

[bonzosbeard]

I enjoyed our start against Brighton and having a new debutant. Yes it went pear shaped but looking forward to seeing Bowen make his start.

[Ironing Board]

You’re all living in dream land if you think he’ll drop Lanzini

Nobody has a divine right to play. You make it sound like he will never change his team or shuffle the pack!

[Depressed Hammer]

Logically, they would play far harder if they were in the race for the league - but they're not.
Logically, they would play far harder if they were chasing a Champions league place - but maybe they're not.
Logically, they would play far harder if they didn't have Real Madrid a week later, in what might be their only stab at the CL until 2023 - but they do.

We have our best, recently reinforced team fully fit.

None of this means we win or draw for sure - we could end up getting mullahed - but it's a relatively benign set of circumstances for what's often a horror show.

I'd be surprised to see them risk anyone who wasn't 100%, knowing that they play Real Madrid seven days later and a cup final a few days after that.

I'd be very disappointed if we gave them a 0-4 or 0-5 under this set of circumstances. We really should be expecting our lot to be competitive and give them a bit of a game.

Good points and totally agree about the time to play them. But lets not forget they are one of the best teams in the world and if they click they can put a handful of goals past any team.
My concern about the game is that when they got beat by Spurs they hit the woodwork twice , missed a penalty and squandered some great chances to score. You just know against us they are going to put away more chances.

[Depressed Hammer]

Lets all keep our fingers crossed we dont try and play out from defense otherwise it could get real ugly.

[hammerman11]

we need to play long to Antonio and bowen when we can. this doesn't mean bypassing midfield but we must look and hit early the front two`s runs. hope they get hold of it and someone can get up in support.

expecting the worst tonight. they are too professional and much fitter than our lazy overpaid wasters. they will want it more and they have much better players in every position .

moyes hinting he wont start bowen so likely to be haller and Antonio up top.

I wouldn't start haller noble or lanzini but you know moyes will !

city 6 hammers 0

onto anfield for another thrashing !

[prophet:marginal]

This is a simple assignment.

We have to play with 100% defensive shape and determination, from the front to the keeper.

We have to trust our younger players, because the 30+ year olds will not have the running in their legs to deal with our defensive needs.

A 0-0 tonight is akin to a victory.