Make no bones about it, West Ham’s trip to Manchester City is huge.
Whilst we as fans recoil from the prospect of another big thrashing, the fall-out maybe far further-reaching than the loss of three points to a Man City side who will, no doubt perk up and become resurgent knowing that THE WORST, most porous defence in the league is coming to visit:
West Ham have conceded more Premier League goals in 2024 than any other side, with their 79 goals conceded their most in a single calendar year since 1967. Some record to be holding.
Julen Lopetegui knows that another big loss will see David Sullivans’ patience expire. The West Ham chairman is still in denial, hoping for an upturn and a win in the next two games. If, as we all suspect, Manchester City put four or five goals past West Ham, Sullivan will be forced to fire his coach.
If Lopetegui is to get anything out of the game, it seems he may well have to do it without his captain who went off injured against Liverpool. Bowen himself has updated his social media reporting a fractured bone in his foot meaning he’ll not be missing for 6-weeks.
Opportunity awaits for Crysencio Summerville who will start on the left if Bowen is out injured – Kudus on the right and Fullkrug will complete West Ham’s front line. Always assuming Lopetegui feels brave enough to actually put three up front.
