Manchester Metropolis make the difficult journey to the capital this weekend to face West Ham United within the Premier League.
The Cityzens received on their first go to to London at a relative canter, beating Chelsea 2-0 on the opening weekend. A go to from Ipswich City noticed Pep Guardiola’s aspect preserve their excellent file in 2024/25, with Erling Haaland catching the attention with a hat-trick in a 4-1 rout.
The reigning champions might must cope with out Rodri once more this weekend because the influential midfielder recovers from a hamstring harm sustained at Euro 2024. Nonetheless, Phil Foden will likely be again within the squad after lacking final weekend’s match via harm.
Right here is how Man Metropolis may line up on the London Stadium.
GK: Ederson – The Brazilian may and doubtless ought to have accomplished higher with Sammie Szmodics’ early effort final Saturday, getting a very good contact to the ahead’s shot because it dribbled past the aim line. He made no different saves and will likely be busier this weekend.
RB: Kyle Walker – The England worldwide is but to make an look this season however may substitute Rico Lewis. With Mohammed Kudus down the left flank for the hosts, Guardiola might name on the speedy Walker to cope with him.
CB: Ruben Dias – An understated and constant performer for the Cityzens, Dias does face competitors from John Stones for his beginning berth. Nonetheless, it is a battle he is more likely to win.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Equally, Akanji has Nathan Ake respiratory down his neck however the Swiss defender has made a powerful begin to the season. It is easy to neglect he price Man Metropolis simply £15m.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – The imposing left-back hasn’t been in a position to present the identical attacking menace he did in direction of the top of final season however could also be extra inclined to go ahead if Guardiola reverts to a flat again 4 this weekend.
DM: Ilkay Gundogan – An sudden return to Man Metropolis noticed Gundogan embraced by the Etihad towards Ipswich. He may earn a begin towards the Irons given Rodri’s potential absence, offering he’s as much as Premier League match velocity.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – Kovacic limped off towards Ipswich with a knock however ought to be match and firing for the journey to West Ham. He is made a powerful begin to the season, together with a aim towards his former employers Chelsea on matchday one.
RW: Savinho – The relentless summer time signing brought on chaos within the Ipswich half final Saturday, successful a penalty and forcing an error for Kevin De Bruyne’s effort. He is settled into Guardiola’s aspect effortlessly.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – Having struggled with accidents for a lot of final season, Man Metropolis are overjoyed to have De Bruyne again. His early 2024/25 kind suggests he is already near his peak stage.
LW: Jeremy Doku – Phil Foden’s return threatens the minutes of all of Man Metropolis’s attacking gamers however Doku might retain his beginning berth for now. A battle between the Belgian and Aaron Wan-Bissaka can be a pleasure to look at.
ST: Erling Haaland – Having scored 3 times on his two journeys to the London Stadium, Haaland will likely be aiming to comply with up final weekend’s hat-trick with one other haul. He is already bagged 4 instances in 2024/25.