This week I spoke Manchester City fan and managing Editor of BitterandBlue.com Danny Pugsley
Do you think you will win the league this season?
Way too early to really tell but Chelsea have been very impressive so far and may take some catching.
West Ham are fourth in the league entering this game. Where can the Hammers finish in the Premier League this season?
It is difficult to break into the top six of clubs but beyond that there’s no reason why a top eight or so finish can be achieved.
How are West Ham fans perceived by Manchester City fans?
I think West Ham fans have always been well though of by City fans. Certainly there is no great animosity between the two and there was a lot of good regard last season with their reaction on the day City won the league.
A recent media report spoke of a boycott by City fans on Saturday because of the £55 price tag, It is claimed Man City have only sold 2000 of the 3000 plus allocated to them. What is your view on away ticket pricing?
I think we have seen a general gradual decline in numbers of away fans throughout the Premier League which can be put down to cost but also the increase in availability of game on TV, which when you way not just the cost of tickets but travel and so on makes it prohibitive to attend too many.It would be nice for clubs to come to some sort of agreement though to assist or subsidise travel perhaps to enable more fans to travel to games.
Man City moved into the Etihad Stadium in 2003 taking over from the Commonweath games. West Ham are scheduled to move into the Olympic Stadium in 2016 taking over from the London 2012 Olympics. What are the pros and cons of renting a stadium like Man City do and taking over a stadium designed for athletics? Do you think this is a good move for West Ham and do you miss Maine road?
There won’t be any issue with the athletics part of it as this can be removed (as was the case with the Commonwealth Stadium in Manchester). There is no doubt that it takes some time to settle into the new stadium, players and fans alike, and the danger is this impacts on results. The pro’s are Maine Road was crumbling and The Etihad is a fantastic stadium with the ability to increase capacity as we progress.
If you could have any current West Ham player who would it be?
I’m not sure any player would get into City’s side currently but I’m looking toward to seeing Diafra Sakho close up after his start to the season.
Favourite West Ham player of all time?
I had a soft spot (and kit) for the side of the mid-80,s so I’ll have to go with Frank McAvennie.
How do you expect man City to setup against West Ham this Saturday?
I would be surprised if we didn’t go with two strikers. Injuries have ruled out one or two in midfield but there won’t be any great surprise with who City line up with.
Score and prediction for Saturday?
Difficult to argue against a City win at this point, even given West Hams strong start. I’ll go 2-1 City, a late comeback goal causing City some panic.
My thanks to Danny Pugsley, Editor of BitterandBlue.com and Man City contributor to The Metro. Twitter @danny_pugsley