Adrian Clarke is looking at key tactical talking points ahead of Matchweek 1.
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Attack will be the best form of defence for West Ham United in their 2019/20 opener at home against Manchester City.
In new signings Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller the Hammers have a strike partnership capable of causing a shock.
The duo have impressed with their skill and movement up front during pre-season.
If Manuel Pellegrini opts to use the duo in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 system, the reward could be high.
Provided Fornals and Haller receive the right service, they can take advantage of a City defence that has not played in front of first-choice goalkeeper Ederson during pre-season.
Pushing forward
The reigning champions' play lacked sharpness and cohesion in Sunday’s FA Community Shield.
They had an unusually low possession share of just 47.2 per cent, while they recorded only three shots on target compared to Liverpool's nine.
With City perhaps a little rusty, West Ham should look to press and create turnovers when their visitors play out from the back.
Four-goal flurries
Opting for a defensive strategy does not pay off for Pellegrini's men.
Pep Guardiola's side have scored four goals in all three of their Premier League visits to London Stadium.
West Ham had less than 31 per cent of the ball on each occasion so they must try to fight City harder to gain possession.
West Ham v Man City since 2016/17
| Season | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 0-4 | 1-4 | 0-4 |
| WHU possession | 29.7% | 24.6% | 30.7% |
The more play Pellegrini's men have inside City's half, the less time they will spend fending off the title-holders' all-star attack.
The Hammers boast a wealth of midfield options, as they showed in their pre-season draw with Athletic Bilbao.
Declan Rice was partnered in the middle by Jack Wilshere, flanked by the skilful Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini in a narrow four-man unit.
If this quartet start against City, the Hammers will have stacks of quality in possession.
West Ham creative players
| PL career stats | Chances created/90 | Shots/90 | Dribbles completed/90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.2 |
| Wilshere | 1.8 | 1.1 | 2.6 |
| Lanzini | 1.7 | 2.1 | 2.7 |
Anderson, Lanzini and Wilshere excel at beating opponents with dribbles, creating opportunities and getting shots on goal.
Indeed, Lanzini and Wilshere both scored against Bilbao at the weekend.
Taking this opening-weekend match by the scruff of the neck and being positive could pay off for West Ham.
It remains a long shot for the Hammers to beat the reigning champions in Matchweek 1, but this feels like a good time to give it a go.
