Football Betting Predictions: West Ham host Champions Man City at the London Stadium, in what promises to be a interesting start to the season for Pep’s Manchester City team.
The corresponding fixture for the last two seasons has seen City winning 4-0 and 4-1. Despite this, I believe that as an opening fixture, this match will provide a stern test for City.
The Hammers will be full of optimism for the new season. They have signed Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt as a replacement for Marko Arnautovic – a change that might prove to be better for team harmony, if nothing else.
Another new addition is Pablo Fornals, who was signed from Villareal, and is another exciting attacking option, that the West Ham fans will be excited to see in action.
In short, I expect there to be a positive attitude from the fans at the London Stadium today, and it could well be a good yard stick to judge City on for the upcoming season.
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City have just announced that David Silva as the new club captain, in the wake of Vincent Kompany’s departure for Anderlecht. Pep only made two major summer signing, João Cancelo from Juventus (in a swap for Danilo), and Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (who will be known more simply as just Rodri or Rodrigo).
Cancelo is an interesting signing, as he predominately plays in the same position as Kyle Walker. Guardiola has made no secret of his belief that attacking full backs are an important part of his footballing philosophy, and spending another £60 Million on a full back not guaranteed a first team start, further underlines this fact.
Rodri on the other hand is more of a defensive midfielder, and is reported (in the media at least) to be the heir apparent to the ageing Fernandinho (who was 34 last May).
Rodri is just 23 years of age, and it will be interesting to see if he immediately steps into the Brazilian’s shoes, or if it is a gradual changeover.
West Ham V Man City Betting Odds
Man City – 1/4
Draw – 6/1
West Ham 23/2
For the first match of the season and with a bit of the unknowns, City at 1/4 is very short. Yes, they could well go there and win 4 or 5-0, and that would be no surprise. Is it real value away from home in the first match of the season, against a side that could well be pushing for the top 8 this season?
I’m not sure it is, waiting a bit for an in-running bet might be more worthwhile. If City score early on, that opportunity will obviously be gone, but that’s the risk you take.
West Ham at effectively eleven and a half to one, look slightly too long to me. I still couldn’t back it though, as I don’t truly see the Hammers winning. The draw could be an interesting shout at 6/1 though.
West Ham V Man City – Football Betting Predictions
– Match Outcome – I’m going for a draw today, as I think it is a good outside punt at 6/1. Yes, City could be 3 up at half time, but I can’t back them to win at 1/4, so I’m going for a small stakes bet on the draw at 6/1.
– Value Tip – Assuming all goes wrong with my match outcome tip and City do run away with it, I think 19/10 on City to score 2 or more in the fist half with Coral doesn’t look a bad bet.
- West Ham are a bit of an unknown quantity with a couple of decent new signings. With City at just 1/4, the draw at 6/1 looks better value.
- City could well run away with things if normal service resumes. So City to score 1.5 Goals or over in first half, or 2.5 Goals or over, could be a good value side bet.