HAMMERS HOPE TO UPSET CHAMPIONS AND SEAL PREMIER LEAGUE STATUS

By Daniel Mcinally 

West Ham United host Premier League champions at London Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 2:15pm, knowing that one more result would all-but guarantee top flight football for the Hammers next season.

The Hosts will look to get over their loss to Arsenal last week with another inspiring performance against Pep Guardiola’s team. The two teams last met in December with Manchester City eventually winning 2-1 thanks to a late David Silva goal, after West Ham defended bravely for most of the game.

West Ham currently sit in 15th place in the league and a win for David Moyes’ men would virtually guarantee them Premier League football at London Stadium next season. 

Moyes has got a respectable record against Manchester City, in the 29 games that he has faced them he has 13 wins, four draws and lost 12 of those games City though have won the last five games against the Scot.

“I don’t think there is ever a good time to play them with the form they’re in and the players they’ve got. We’ll give the as good a game as we can, and we hope we can take three points,” Moyes said. 

“None of the games are easy, but the crowd have been really good at home. The players and club have really grown into the stadium. We’re enjoying it a bit more now and hopefully that’ll show in our performances and results.”

Marko Arnautovic was awarded the ‘Hammer of the Year” and “Signing of the Season” at West Ham's club awards this week and Moyes has praised his star man. 

“He’s been terrific and if he wants to keep that up, there are ways to go about it physically and mentally. I want him to be a big team player in the team,” Moyes added. 

With City Loanee Joe Hart is ineligible to play against his parent club, Adrian is relishing the chance to show what he can do against the champions of England. 

“Obviously I am ready to help the team and help us get some good points and to be safe as soon as possible,” Adrian said. 

“The truth in football is that Manchester City are champions. They will come to try to win the game and score goals because they want to break the records for most points and goals in the history of the Premier League,” the Spanish keeper added.  

“it’s my job to prepare and try to stop them. I know I will be very busy, but I want to show that when I play, I am ready, so I’ll do my best.”