Deportivo Potter
27/02/2019

The weekend is always sunnier when West Ham have already wrapped up 3 points before Saturday even comes.  While the game didn’t always go our way I always felt that we were going to come out on top as the game wore on.  We had plenty of corners so it wasn’t a surprise that we got our first 2 goals from them.  I don’t think they really came close to getting back into the game, but I really feel we should have made the game safe way before we did.

Manchester City can return to the top of the table with just a draw from tonight’s game.  But after extra-time,  penalties and only 2 days rest I am hoping to find a City team struggling to get around the park.  While they have looked very impressive this year we have shown in previous games we are more than capable of mixing it with the big boys this year.

Just the one defeat in their last six games, City seem to be turning the screw at just the right time putting pressure on Liverpool who have drawn a few games recently.  But I sometimes feel these midweek games can sometimes go under the radar and the bigger teams tend to not take them seriously.  I have a good feeling about this game.

The three points on Friday evening was a welcome return to winning ways after going four games without one.  We now (after City) have a chance to get some momentum with many winnable games coming up.  The chance to get some back to back wins will boost the team as we look for that precious 7th spot.

Pellegrini makes his first visit back to City who I’m sure will give him a great reception on and off the pitch.  Laporte, Fernandinho, Bravo, Stones and Jesus will all miss the game such players would be a big loss to any side.  But to City another world class player just steps in.

West Ham after seeing the return of Lanzini last Friday will be tempted to play him straight away but I think its best to ease him back into the team.  It’s nice to see the return of Winston Reid to training but not sure how long before he is able to play again. Sanchez, Wilshire, Yarmalenko and Cresswell are out injured.  Cresswell’s injury comes as a big blow as he was starting to show some form.

Predicted Team’s :

Manchester City : Ederson, Danilo, Otamendi, Kompany, Zinchenko, De Bruyne, Gundogan, D Silva, Mahrez,  Aguero, Sane.

West Ham United : Fabianski, Fredericks, Diop, Ogbonna, Johnson, Obiang, Rice, Nasri, Antonio, Anderson and Carroll.

Yes you read correctly, it’s not the return of Glen Johnson but a young man called Ben who I have been told is a huge talent and impressed the manager with his performances and attitudes to training.  Not sure where this leaves Masuaku but i would imagine he will not be around much longer.  I would love to think we can nick a point from the game but I really can not see it.  You know I hate to bet against us but I think City will run out 2-0 winners.  I hope I’m wrong.