This week I am holidaying in Spain away away from the drama and disappointment from Thursday night’s Europa League disaster. I still managed to catch up with Manchester City fan Ric Turner from the Blue Moon Man City forum, website and podcast. bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/
1) What are your expectations for City this season? Where will you finish in the league?
After what happened last season, with Leicester winning the league, you can’t take anything for granted. I expect us to challenge for the title though. We have a world class manager now, and have made some good signings this summer.
2) Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the title this season?
I think Burnley and Hull will find it difficult, despite bright starts to the season, and I can see Bournemouth struggling with “second season” syndrome.
3) How do you rate West Ham’s manager Slaven Bilic first season in charge, how will he fare in his second season?
Bilic had a superb first season in charge. Winning away at City, Arsenal and Liverpool was no mean feat and to finish seventh in his debut season was impressive. We, of course, owe you a debt of gratitude to for beating United in your penultimate game which allowed us to qualify for the Champions League ahead of them!
4) What league position can West Ham realistically achieve this season?
I think you’ll do well to beat last season’s finish, to be honest. A move to a new stadium takes time to get used to (as we know from experience) and you seem to be struggling with injuries already. Obviously losing Ayew is a blow, but I don’t think you’ve strengthened sufficiently yet. Getting knocked out of the Europa League may prove to be a blessing though.
5) If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
Obvious answer, but it would have to be Payet. An absolutely brilliant player, and a snip at £12m. He’s a joy to watch.
6) Which Man City player will be key to your hopes this season?
Keeping Aguero fit for the whole season will be key. He’s comfortably the best striker in the league in my opinion, but has struggled with injuries in recent years.
7) What is City’s achilles heel? Where will they need to improve on this season?
The biggest challenge facing City is getting the players used to Guardiola’s tactics. It’s a completely different system to which they’re used to playing, and it will take time to adapt. This could well be a transitional season, although the early signs have been encouraging.
8) West Ham have now moved into their new home at the London stadium. City won the league within ten years of moving to former the commonwealth stadium in Manchester.Will this help them progress as club in the short term in your opinion or could it hinder them as they get used to their new surroundings?
I think in the short term it can be a bit of a hinderance as players and fans alike get used to their new surroundings and make it feel like “home”. Obviously in the long run it will benefit you greatly though. We wouldn’t be where we are today but for our move to the new stadium in 2003.
9) How do you expect City to setup against West Ham on Sunday/ Team/formation prediction?
Guardila has been fairly consistent in his team selections so far, apart from midweek against Steaua where the first leg advantage allowed him to play a weakened team. We’ve been playing a bit of a 4-1-2-3 system, although it is constantly changing. I expect the team on Sunday to be: Bravo, Zabaleta, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling, Nolito, Aguero.
10) What is your score Prediction for Sunday?
With your injury problems, and us having had an extra day to recover from the midweek game, I expect us to edge a close game. I’ll go for 2-1 to City.
My thanks to Ric Turner of www.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk
I will go for an optimistic 1-1 to counter Ric’s prediction but that might be wishful thinking. We could be walloped at the Etihad if we are not careful.
I am flying back in the early hours of Sunday morning so not going to the game but I hope we put on a worthwhile show for the 3,000 who forked out £30 and travelled 220 miles to watch their team play on a Bank holiday weekend.
Come on you Irons! Sean @WestHamFootball on twitter