"Will have too much for them" - Alan Shearer makes prediction for West Ham vs Manchester City
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has predicted the result of Manchester City's Premier League trip to West Ham United on Saturday (August 31). The Cityzens are atop the standings after winning their opening two games.
Pep Guardiola's side opened their quest for an unprecedented fifth straight Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Chelsea before beating newly promoted Ipswich Town 4-1 at home.
Meanwhile, the Hammers lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa in their league opener before winning 2-0 at Crystal Palace. However, Shearer reckons City should have too much quality not to take the three points at West Ham, writing for the Metro:
"I’d be surprised if West Ham caused any problems for Man City here. They got a great result at Crystal Palace and made a really great signing in Max Kilman at the back, but Man City will have too much for them.
"When they conceded the first goal against Ipswich it was all about how are City going to react, and it was amazing to see how they did indeed react in the next 10-15 minutes. They could have even scored a few more. I’ll go for an away win."
Noting the form of striker Erling Haaland - who has scored four times in two games - Shearer concluded:
"When you’re in the form Erling Haaland is in, pretty much through his whole Man City career, he’s got the players supplying the ammo, but when you’ve got that feeling and that confidence, you can’t wait to get out there and into the next game.
"I’ve been there before, standing in the tunnel, looking at your opponents, and not just thinking, but knowing you’re going to score. Erling will have that, and It’s a great feeling."
Pep Guardiola's side have won six of the last seven league titles, an unprecedented feat in English football history.
West Ham United vs Manchester City: A few tidbits
Manchester City have had West Ham's number in recent meetings. Pep Guardiola's star-studded team are unbeaten in 17 league games with the Hammers, winning 14, since a 2-1 loss at the Etihad in September 2015.
Only against Liverpool (18) have the Hammers gone longer without a win against a single opponent, a mark they could equal at the weekend despite playing at home, as they will be up against the four-time defending champions.
Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are expected to be available for Guardiola's side, but Phil Foden will be unavailable due to illness. Oscar Bobb remains a long-term absentee for Manchester City.