Daily WHUFC News -

Preview - Manchester City
WHUFC.com

Background

West Ham United go looking for a third away win of the season on Saturday
when they travel to league leaders Manchester City.

Following unexpected successes at Arsenal and Liverpool. Slaven Bilic's men
could claim a third major scalp of the year at the Etihad, although they
will know it will be no easy task.

City already have a four point gap at the head of the Barclays Premier
League table, having scored eleven goals and conceded none in their opening
five games.

They look hungry for success after failing to back up their title winning
2013/14 campaign last term and all of West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea,
Everton, Watford and Crystal Palace have come off second best against Manuel
Pellegrini's team this term.

A glimmer of hope for the Hammers will be that City lost their perfect
record for the season on Tuesday when Juventus came from behind to defeat
them 2-1 in their Champions League opener.

West Ham currently sit fifth in the table with nine points from their first
five games, and have won their last two – against Liverpool and Newcastle
United.

The history

West Ham's record at Etihad Stadium is not one they will reflect on with a
great deal of fondness.

It is ten visits since the Hammers last won on Manchester City's home turf,
when a Dean Ashton double gave them a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup
quarter-final back in the 2005/06 season.

Overall, the Hammers have won 36 of the 100 previous meetings between the
Clubs, with 48 Manchester City victories in the record books.

Former Hammers goalkeeper Richard Wright is City's third-choice stopper,
while the likes of Carlos Tevez, Craig Bellamy, Frank Lampard, Marc-Vivien
Foe, Stuart Pearce, David James, Steve Lomas, Ian Bishop, Wayne Bridge and
Eyal Berkovic have all turned out for both clubs in recent years.

Last season Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho scored as the Hammers
defeated City 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground, but a James Collins own goal and
Sergio Aguero consigned West Ham to a 2-0 loss at Etihad Stadium.

Match info

Team news

West Ham United

Slaven Bilic will be without defender Angelo Ogbonna for the trip to Etihad
Stadium after the Italian suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's victory
over Newcastle. Carl Jenkinson is likely to come back in at right back, with
James Tomkins moving to centre half.

Adrian also returns from suspension so Bilic will have a choice to make in
goal, with Darren Randolph having kept consecutive clean sheets.

Alex Song continues his recovery from an ankle injury, while Enner Valencia
(leg) and Joey O'Brien (calf) are also out.

Manchester City

Sergio Aguero could return to the starting XI after making the bench for the
midweek defeat to Juventus, but Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph
are all sidelined.

Vincent Kompany picked up a knock against Juventus, but is hopeful of
proving his fitness in time to take on the Hammers.

Match facts

Saturday's referee is Robert Madley. In four appointments this season he has
dished out 14 yellow cards and one red – to Watford's Valon Behrami in their
1-0 victory over Swansea City last weekend. He will be assisted by Mick
McDonough and Marc Perry, while Craig Pawson is the fourth official.
Manchester City have won their last eleven Premier League games in a row.
The English top flight record is held by Arsenal with 14 consecutive league
wins.
The Hammers are looking to win three successive away Premier League games
for the first time since September 2007.
Manuel Pellegrini's side have gone nine hours and 26 minutes since last
conceding a Premier League goal.
Dimitri Payet has had a hand in eleven goals (four goals, seven assists) in
his last 13 league appearances.
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info

Tickets can be purchased in person at Manchester City's South Stand Ticket
Office from midday on the day of the game. Full details can be found here.
West Ham will wear their new third kit for the first time at Etihad Stadium
on Saturday. Buy it now at officialwesthamstore.com
A reasonable day weather-wise is predicted for Manchester tomorrow. Sunny
spells and a high of 17C (63F) is forecast.
Manchester City have produced an extensive guide for away supporters. Access
it here.
Supporters travelling by train can access up to the minute travel info at
nationalrail.co.uk. Traffic information can be found at highways.gov.uk
If you're not heading to Etihad Stadium for the game, make sure you follow
the game on our digital channels, with live audio, text updates, stats and
photos on whufc.com's live match centre. Get involved with the conversation
on social using #MCIWHU

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Hammers to debut new third kit
WHUFC.com

The 2015/16 West Ham United Umbro third kit will make an eye-catching debut
in front of a worldwide audience at Manchester City on Saturday 19
September. The Hammers will seek to extend their 100 per cent Barclays
Premier League away record when they travel to the leaders for the teatime
clash, which is being broadcast live across the globe. The kit, which is
available to buy online here and from Official Club Stores now, features
royal and navy blue, alongside the Hammers' famous claret, meaning the
Club's traditional colours will be represented over land and sea during the
historic Farewell Boleyn season. The lightweight third shirt has a rib
v-neck collar and is made with a marl fabric giving it smart appearance.
Umbro has paid homage to West Ham's landmark season with the 'Boleyn Ground
1904-2016' sign-off included underneath the crest and in the back neck area.
The third shirt has been made using lightweight polyester, with special body
mapping integrated into the back design to allow for ventilation. The smart
navy blue shorts feature a white crest, royal blue patches and claret stripe
detail and drawstrings, while the mash panel aids comfort and movement. The
kit is completed by navy blue socks featuring a royal blue and claret
stripe. The mesh articulated vents help to keep the feet dry during
exercise, while the cushioned Y-stitch heel provides enhanced fit and
maximum comfort. The new third kit represents visually stunning football
apparel designed with style, the traditions off the Club and optimum
performance in mind.

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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com

It has been another great week for the team and I am sure that everyone at
the Club is looking forward to our big game against Manchester City on
Saturday. We have been doing so well away from home but to go out and win so
convincingly against Newcastle on Monday was great to see. I know a lot of
the attention has surrounded the performance of Dimitri Payet and rightly so
after he produced another outstanding display. We have had some great
players over the years at West Ham United and I think back to the days of
Alan Devonshire and Sir Trevor Brooking. You could see straight away back
then that both players had something about them and you do pick out the
quality players early on. Both of them had confidence on the ball and Payet
seems to be the same. I know that Devonshire and Brooking proved it over a
period of time, but if Dimitri continues to show this kind of form, he is
going to be a very special player for the football Club.

I have met Dimitri many times and he seems a very measured person and very
professional. He ticks all the boxes that you want from a player. I am
enjoying watching him play at the moment and long may it continue. He is
chipping in with some goals as well and he has the quality of being in the
right place at the right time. He could score 20 goals and be something
special. You could see from his first goal against Newcastle that he didn't
smash the ball and picked his spot. We also saw a fantastic debut from
Victor Moses and we knew when he came into the squad that we were signing a
quality player. We want to give him an arena to perform on. You don't get a
new contract at a big club like Chelsea unless you are something special and
he just needs game time now. He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet and
was inches away from getting the second goal. But I'm sure he would have
been delighted that the rebound fell to Payet and he was able to score. You
only have to look at our squad now and see we have got quality players
backing up quality players.

Angelo Ogbonna had to come off injured against Newcastle the other night and
in the past that would be painful for us. But we are able to bring on a
player like Carl Jenkinson and the quality in the side stays the same. The
manager picks the best eleven for the game we are playing, but the players
who are sitting on the bench are equally as good and we have certainly come
a long way. We now prepare to face the league leaders on Saturday who are in
great form at the moment. Just like the Liverpool game, I am going up to
Manchester confident that we can get a result. They have spent a lot of
money and they have so much quality throughout the team. City will be the
favourite to win, but I go up there believing we can win. We will be seeing
two of the best players in the Premier League – David Silva and Dimitri
Payet on show and I am looking forward to the encounter. I want to wish all
the fans who are travelling to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday a safe journey
and let's hope we can celebrate another memorable win on our travels this
season.

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View on the Opposition - Manchester City
WHUFC.com

Lifelong Manchester City fan Mark Hartley lifts the lid on Saturday's
opponents

Mark, City have had a great start to the season, what have you made of the
first five games?

"It's been an excellent start! Five wins out of five, and still to concede,
we couldn't have dreamt of a better start. Our performances have mainly been
brilliant, especially against Chelsea.

"With City, you never know what to expect, and there was some private
anxiousness over the summer. Full credit to Manuel Pellegrini, he's had his
doubters but he's stuck to his beliefs and he's being rewarded."

Once again, City spent big in the summer, how have the new signings fared?

"It's still early days but there's certainly reason for optimism. Raheem
Sterling is clearly a class player and has settled in well. I think people
forget how young he is, it's scary to think how good he could be.

We've only seen glimpses of Kevin De Bruyne but he's certainly got a big
reputation. He fills a role "that we desperately need to fill, so despite
the big bucks we spent, I'm confident he'll be a good addition. Likewise we
haven't seen enough of Nicolas Otamendi or Fabien Delph."

What are Cities' priorities this season?

"I think the winning the League will be the main focus but, as everyone has
highlighted, we'd like an improvement in Europe. We've had very tough draws
recently, and this season is no different!

"There's a feeling our squad should be capable to compete on numerous
fronts. A serious league challenge, progression to the knock out stages of
the Champions League and a FA Cup run is more than realistic."

What have you made of West Ham this season?

"I haven't seen them live yet but their results have certainly been
eye-catching. Dimitri Payet certainly looks a player and I like Slaven
Bilic, he has that presence about him so I hope he does well. West Ham seem
to have bought pretty well – Victor Moses on loan is a good bit of business.

"On their day they're a good side and will work hard but they haven't fared
too well on the Blue side of Manchester and I don't expect that to change on
Saturday."

What is your prediction for Saturday's score?

"City will win, but I think it'll be a tighter contest than previous years.
I'll say City to win 2-1, but if we find our grove then it could be more one
sided. Pellegrini will want a reaction to the Juventus' defeat, so he won't
pull any punches."

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Payet prepared for Silva showdown
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Payet prepared for Silva showdown
WHUFC.com

Dimitri Payet is relishing the prospect of locking horns with his opposite
number David Silva at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Frenchman has inevitably drawn comparisons with City's silky Spaniard
and Payet counts himself among the diminutive playmaker's many admirers.

Between them, they have already created some 29 chances in the Barclays
Premier League this term, and Payet knows only too well what the Hammers are
up against at the weekend.

He told West Ham TV: "He's a player that I admire, with the way that he
manages, practically every time that he gets the ball, to find space in
behind.

"He has a truly exceptional quality of pass. I saw the Spain game during the
international break where he played an unbelievable pass for Jordi Alba.
I've always dreamed of being left footed, I'm right footed, he's the type of
player that I really appreciate."

Saturday's hosts boast the Premier League's only 100 per cent record and
they, together with the Hammers and Leicester City, are the leading
goalscorers too.

And while Payet is not about to underestimate Manuel Pellegrini's men, the
former Marseille man insists West Ham can do some damage of their own.

"Of course it's a challenge, they're the leaders," he continued. "They're
still to concede a goal and they've scored a fair few too.

"We know the attacking power of Manchester City. Like at Liverpool, like at
Arsenal, we're not expected to win, so we're going there without pressure,
and we're going to try to trouble them with our weapons."

Saturday's showdown comes hot on the heels of City's 2-1 Champions League
defeat by Juventus at the Etihad on Tuesday. Payet's not convinced that it
will have much bearing on Saturday's game, but says the Hammers will need to
make the most of even the slightest chink in the leaders' armour to complete
a famous hat-trick of away wins.

"For them, perhaps, for us it will change nothing. We've seen them in the
league, Tuesday night was in the Champions League and up against Juventus.

"They're certainly going to want to make amends in the next game, but they
played Tuesday night, so there may also be some fatigue, and it's up to us
make the most of slightest thing that is afforded to us."

Whatever the outcome on Saturday, Payet is in no mood to get carried away.
While the prospect of playing at the Etihad is one that appeals, he thinks
it best to treat the game like any other.

"These are big games, these are exciting games to play, but these are also
games that there are only three points each time. So while it's true that
there's perhaps bigger hype around it, ultimately there are only three
points in the game."

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Lee ready for Magpies' showdown
WHUFC.com

West Ham striker Elliot Lee spoke described the positive effects of gaining
valuable first team experience earlier in the season. The 20-year-old
striker was one of eight of academy graduates to make their Hammers' debut
in the Europa League, and he maximized his opportunity with a match-winning
goal against FC Lusitans away in Andorra. Reflecting on the experience, the
striker said: "To score out in Andorra was fantastic for me; it's something
I'll never. I think the first team experience helped all the youngster lads
which bodes well for the future.
"The Europa League gave us a great chance to be around a first team
environment, we had a few first team players involved and also got to
experience playing and travelling abroad to places like Andorra. "Once we
knew we were in the Europa League, all the young lads knew what a great
opportunity it was to impress the new manager."

Buoyed by the confidence from playing for his boyhood club, in front of a
packed Boleyn Ground, Lee said he was eager for more opportunities. The
striker's next run out under the lights at the Boleyn Ground could well be
on Monday when the Development Squad host Newcastle United U21, in a repeat
fixture of Monday's first team 2-0 win. "All the boys enjoyed playing in a
packed stadium at the Boleyn. Hopefully on Monday that'll be different and
we'll have a big crowd in, full credit to the Board and Terry for supporting
this because it is important."

Looking ahead to Monday's game, Lee's family connections – his father is
former Newcastle United favourite Rob Lee – make the match that little bit
extra special. "It'll be a great night against Newcastle and all the boys
are looking forward to it. I'm expecting us to be at the top of our game,
it's harder when we're playing at training grounds. On Monday we don't have
any excuses."

For a while now, last season's Dev Squad top goalscorer has impressed at U21
level and his fledgling career continued to gather pace with a successful
loan stint at Luton Town.
He proved his goalscoring credentials with three strikes in nine starts,
another experience he described as wholly positive. "I learnt a lot at
Luton. I really enjoyed my time under Jon Still, it's a different world in
League Two but I've come back a better player. "As a young lad you've got to
do what you've got to do to succeed. Each player's route is different, if
mine is to go out on loan to become a player than I'm happy with that, I'll
do what I've got to do. "I've been here since I was seven years old,
everyone looks up to Nobes and Tonks and it's great to train with them every
day. They used to be in a similar position to where I am now so hopefully I
can break through as they did."

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Chadwell Chatter - James Collins
WHUFC.com

Hello everybody,

I was fortunate to be part of the last team that won at Manchester City when
we beat them in the FA Cup quarter-final back in 2006 when Dean Ashton
scored both goals up there. We had a great run that year and got to the
final which we should have won. It was a tough game and we knew that we had
nothing to lose and it was a typical FA Cup game, but we went out and won
it.
I remember it was a tough night and cold but we had some characters in the
team at the time that dug in and got us the result. Dean Ashton was on fire
for us since the day he signed for the Club and I played against him when I
was young. He scored all types of goals and it was a terrible shame what
happened to him and that he had to retire. I can't believe it has been that
long since we last got a victory at Manchester City and it was a cup game.
Since then it has been a notoriously hard place to go and it has got even
harder over the years. But the lads have played really well away from home
and obviously played well against Newcastle on Monday night so we are
confident we can go there and get a result. Everyone is talking about
Dimitri Payet and I have seen it from the first couple of days he came into
the Club. I first played with him at Southend and he was by far the best
player on the pitch by a mile. Some of the stuff he was doing was
tremendous. He has kicked on since then and is showing great form. He has
settled in very quickly and has got involved in all the banter in the
changing room and gets on with it. We are reaping the rewards of a great
player. He is playing the number ten role which all defenders hate playing
against. You don't want to go in there and get turned, but he is a tough lad
and probably use to it. People want to get the ball off him but he is clever
enough to get past them. From the first day he was getting involved in the
banter and he is a very likeable lad. He gets on with everyone and that
helps. He has just had a little baby so family life is going well which
helps off the pitch. If he can keep playing like he is then he is going to
be a massive player for West Ham.
We have already won at Arsenal and Liverpool so why can't we get something
from the Manchester City game. No-one expected us to win either of those
games, especially the first one as everyone was talking about how Arsenal
are going to win the league. But we went there and comfortably won 2-0 and
it probably could have been more. City are a fantastic team and have a few
injury doubts which could help us but we have got a strong squad and I'm
sure we can go there and give a good account of ourselves. We are defending
well and the boys have been tremendous. The two home defeats were freak
results and I'm not sure what happened on the day. We were not really at the
races. But we have defended really well in the two away games and again on
Monday night and we are going to have do the same at City. We have lads in
the team who can go up the other end and score goals.

As a player you relish the competition for places and you need to prove
yourself. We have got world class players in every position and it is
certainly the best squad I have ever seen at West Ham. The quality of
players that we signed during the summer is there for everyone to see and
all credit to the gaffer and the chairmen. It is a great time time to be
involved with West Ham. There is a big milestone for me this weekend as I
made my debut for the club ten-years ago. I am a lucky boy to have signed
when I did when I was 21 from Cardiff – it was a dream come true to come and
play for such a big Club like West Ham. I was still learning my trade but to
still be here ten-years after making my debut is incredible. I have had a
lot of ups and downs during the time I have been here, but the fans have
been great with me. All the managers I have played under have been
tremendous towards me and I am a lucky boy to play for a Club like West Ham.
The first time I left West Ham I didn't really want to leave, but I have
come back and fingers crossed if it all works out I would love to finish my
career at the Club.
I hope everyone has a safe trip up to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Ginge

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Hammers set to take on Blues
WHUFC.com

West Ham United U18s continue their League campaign with tough test against
table topping Chelsea.

The young Hammers will host the west Londoners – who remain unbeaten after
five games - on Saturday 19 September at Little Heath.

Widely regarded as one of the strongest youth set ups in the country, the
Blues are looking for their third consecutive win after beating Leicester
City and Southampton.

On the other hand, the Hammers have struggled to turn strong performances
into results. The young Irons secured creditable draws with Leicester and
Tottenham Hotspur before losing away to Arsenal in a match they largely
dominated.

The U18s play Chelsea U18 at Little Heath on Saturday 19 September, kick off
11pm. Parking and admission is FREE for all fans.

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Hammers appoint Jurcevic as new assistant manager
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Nikola Jurcevic
as the Club's new assistant manager. Jurcevic will be reunited with his
former Croatia teammate Slaven Bilic, with whom he has worked previously
with the Croatian national side, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas. The
49-year-old, who helped his nation reach the quarter-finals of Euro 96 as a
player before helping guide Croatia to two major tournaments as assistant to
Bilic, completes the new manager's experienced technical staff, joining
first-team coach Edin Terzic, head of performance Miljenko Rak, goalkeeper
coach Chris Woods and coaching assistant Julian Dicks.

A versatile midfielder and attacker during his playing days, the Zagreb-born
coach is looking forward to getting down to work with the Hammers after
being granted a work permit. Jurcevic said: "I am very happy that I can
start work at the Club. I am very motivated for the future and think we have
a good team. I hope we will have a very good season. "I am very excited to
work in England because I think that the Premier League is one of the best
in the world. "I have worked with Slaven for a number of years with the
Croatian national team, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas. He called me about
West Ham and I said yes straight away. "I know it is a big opportunity for
me and I am happy to work in the Premier League, live in London and work for
a big club like West Ham. "I know Slaven well and when I started my career
as a coach and was manager in Croatia, Slaven called me when he was national
coach and we worked together for six-years. We are good friends but we have
a similar view on football and we work really well together. "I am
professional, have a big experience in football having worked in Belgium,
Austria, Germany and have played in the big tournaments in Europe. I also
have the experience as a coach and will do my best for West Ham. I hope we
will be successful."

Born in Zagreb in the former Yugoslavia in September 1966, Jurcevic came
through the ranks at the local club Dinamo in the early 1980s, before moving
to local rivals NK Zagreb. After spells with Belgian club Royal Antwerp and
back in his home city with NK Zagreb, Jurcevic enjoyed a successful and, at
times, prolific four-season stay with Austrian side SV Austria Salzburg. The
Croatian finished his playing career with a stint in Germany with Freiburg
and a second spell with Austria Salzburg, hanging up his boots in 1999.

At international level, Jurcevic was capped 19 times, making his debut in
the newly-independent Croatia's second-ever fixture against Romania in
December 1990. A first of two international goals came along in a friendly
win in Israel in 1994, while he also started Croatia's famous 2-1 Euro 96
qualifying win over Italy in Palermo in November of the same year – a game
which also featured Bilic and fellow future Hammers Igor Stimac and Davor
Suker. In December 1995, Jurcevic netted the winning goal as Croatia beat
Slovenia 2-1 to finish top of the Euro 96 qualifying group ahead of the
Italians and reach the finals for the first time in their short history. He
featured three times at the tournament in England, starting the
quarter-final defeat by Germany at Old Trafford. As a coach, Jurcevic
started his career as manager of NK Zagreb before taking up similar posts
with Dinamo Zagreb, Austria Salzburg and Slaven Belupo in the early 2000s.

In 2006, he was appointed as an assistant coach under Croatia manager Bilic
and former teammate Aljosa Asanovic. Over the next six years, the trio
guided The Blazers to Euro 2008 and 2012, and within a whisker of qualifying
for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. In 2012, Bilic took up a new post at
Lokomotiv in Russia, and took Jurcevic with him. The following year, the
pair moved to Turkey with Besiktas before the forward joined his long-time
boss in east London.

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Man City v West Ham
KO 17:30
18 September 2015
Last updated at 12:48

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium Date: Saturday, 19 September

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany misses out with the calf injury he
suffered in the defeat by Juventus but Sergio Aguero is fit.
Samir Nasri will not be risked after taking a kick in midweek.
West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna is out with a hamstring injury, while Joey O'Brien
(calf), Alex Song (ankle) and Enner Valencia (knee) are also out. Mauro
Zarate and Pedro Obiang are hoping to overcome hamstring and ankle problems
respectively.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Steve Wilson: "With rare away wins at Arsenal and Liverpool already under
their belts, West Ham can travel to European under-achievers Manchester City
with a spring in their step. "However, West Ham's journey home might be
rather less jaunty as Manchester City have won their last 11 Premier League
games - the joint-third longest winning streak in the league's history - and
haven't conceded a league goal in approaching 10 hours. "Add to that West
Ham's fairly hopeless recent record at the Etihad - seven consecutive
defeats, three goals scored and 20 conceded - and the odds would appear to
be heavily in the home side's favour."

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "It is always serious having
injured players, especially the captain and especially in a moment when we
didn't concede any goals in the first five games. "I think it is important
to carry on playing with the same names but I always say we have a squad.
"It is important for Nicolas Otamendi to have his opportunity to demonstrate
why he is here and Martin Demichelis to return to his performance of last
season. We have a squad and we need to replace the captain."

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "I would have loved Man City to win that game
against Juventus, they probably feel a little bit like they need to respond.
"It's going to be more up to them how the game is going to be played because
they have that quality. "But we are confident. Some people say it's a bonus
game for West Ham - it's not a bonus game. I would be very disappointed if
we don't play good or don't get anything from that game."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

They have won at Arsenal and Liverpool, so I'm not sure I can tip West Ham
to get beaten at Etihad Stadium with their away form so far this season. I
am going to, though. Dimitri Payet looks a very good player for the Hammers,
but will he see enough of the ball to hurt Manchester City? I would argue
the answer is no.

Man City
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Manchester City have won their last seven home meetings with West Ham,
including six in the league.
City have scored a combined 10 goals without reply on the last three
occasions they have hosted the Hammers in all competitions.
Manchester City
Manchester City could win their opening six matches of a top-flight season
for the first time.
City are enjoying a club record 11-match winning streak in the league. Only
Arsenal (14) and Manchester United (12) have ever had longer winning runs in
the Premier League.
Manuel Pellegrini's side are also on a club league record run of six
consecutive clean sheets.
They have won nine consecutive home matches in the Premier League, keeping
eight clean sheets in the process.
West Ham
West Ham have won both of their away matches so far in this season's Premier
League, without conceding a goal.
The Hammers are looking to win three successive Premier League away games
for the first time since September 2007.
Dimitri Payet has had a hand in 11 goals (scored four, assisted seven) in
his last 13 league appearances for West Ham and Marseille combined.

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West Ham: Nikola Jurcevic named as Slaven Bilic's new assistant
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has appointed former Croatia team-mate Nikola
Jurcevic as his new assistant. Jurcevic worked under Bilic at Croatia,
Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas. Bilic confirmed after his arrival in June
that he wanted to appoint Jurcevic, but the 49-year-old had to wait for a
work permit, which he has now received. "I am very happy that I can start
work. Slaven called me about West Ham and I said yes straight away," he
said. Former midfielder Jurcevic was capped 19 times and made his debut in
Croatia's second-ever fixture against Romania in December 1990. Both he and
Bilic were also part of Croatia's Euro 1996 squad. As manager and assistant,
the pair helped the national team qualify for Euro 2008 and 2012.

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Slaven Bilic: West Ham boss not surprised by English defeats
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says the disappointing results picked up by
English teams in the Champions League are no surprise - as Premier League
sides underestimate their opponents. Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester
United all lost in midweek. But Bilic, whose Besiktas team beat Liverpool
last season, said: "Why are people so surprised when Manchester United lose
a game against PSV? "It isn't a shock. You have to know that the other teams
are also good."
Chelsea were the Premier League's sole success in the Champions League this
week, winning 4-0 at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv. United lost 2-1 in Eindhoven,
Arsenal were beaten by Dinamo Zagreb and City, who play West Ham on
Saturday, lost at home to Juventus. Chelsea are the only Premier League side
to reach the semi-final of the Champions League in the last four seasons and
Bilic, whose West Ham side failed to make it past the Europa League
qualifying stage in August, believes English clubs take European sides too
lightly. Bilic said: "Many big clubs have lost at PSV, They were European
champions once. "You can lose in Zagreb. It was a major surprise, the whole
of Croatia is surprised, but it can happen. "They play football there as
well. They are a decent team, unbeaten in 41 games or whatever. "For you it
was probably a shock when Besiktas knocked out Liverpool last year. For us
it wasn't."

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Slaven's number two arrives, at last
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th September 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have finally announced the arrival of Slaven Bilic's
managerial assistant Nikola Jurcevic. The 49-year-old, who managed several
clubs before teaming up with Slaven Bilic at Croatia nine years ago was
first spotted alongside Bilic in Cork during the summer, but had been unable
to complete his move to the club due to work permit issues. However Jurcevic
is itching to get started now he has finally been able to complete his move
to England. "I am very happy that I can start work at the club," he told
whufc.com. "I think we have a good team and I hope we will have a very good
season. "I am very excited to work in England because I think that Premier
League is one of the best in the world. I have worked with Slaven for a
number of years with the Croatian national team, Lokomotiv Moscow and
Besiktas. "When he called me about West Ham I said "yes!" straight away. It
is a big opportunity for me and I am happy to work in the Premier League,
live in London and work for a big club like West Ham. "When he [Slaven] was
national coach we worked together for six-years. We are good friends but we
have a similar view on football and we work really well together. I hope we
will be successful."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hire Nikola Jurcevic as the club's new assistant manager
Last Updated: 18/09/15 6:08pm
SSN

West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Nikola Jurcevic as the
club's new assistant manager. Jurcevic will be reunited with his former
Croatia team-mate Slaven Bilic, with whom he has worked previously with the
Croatian national side, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas.
The 49-year-old joins a coaching staff that also includes first-team coach
Edin Terzic, head of performance Miljenko Rak, goalkeeper coach Chris Woods
and coaching assistant Julian Dicks. Jurcevic said: "I am very happy that I
can start work at the club. I am very motivated for the future and think we
have a good team. I hope we will have a very good season. "I am very excited
to work in England because I think that Premier League is one of the best in
the world. "I have worked with Slaven for a number of years with the
Croatian national team, Lokomotiv Moscow and Besiktas. He called me about
West Ham and I said yes straight away. "I know it is a big opportunity for
me and I am happy to work in the Premier League, live in London and work for
a big club like West Ham. "I know Slaven well and when I started my career
as a coach and was manager in Croatia, Slaven called me when he was national
coach and we worked together for six-years. We are good friends but we have
a similar view on football and we work really well together."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City v West Ham preview: Sergio Aguero returns for City
Last Updated: 18/09/15 6:03pm
SSN

Manchester City will have to shuffle their pack as they look to continue
their 100 per cent start to the season against West Ham. City have breezed
past everything put in front of them in the Premier League this season
without conceding a goal in the process. However, they come up against a
West Ham side in front of the Saturday Night Football cameras who are the
masters of upsetting the odds away from home.
Slaven Bilic's men stunned Arsenal 2-0 on the opening day before rampaging
past Liverpool at Anfield - their first win there since 1963.

Team news

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will miss the clash but striker
Sergio Aguero is fit. Kompany suffered a calf injury in the midweek
Champions League loss to Juventus and is also out of Tuesday's Capital One
Cup tie against Sunderland, but Aguero has recovered from his knee
problem.Samir Nasri will rest after suffering a knock while full-backs Pablo
Zabaleta and Gael Clichy, and midfielder Fabian Delph remain on the
sidelines.

West Ham will be without defender Angelo Ogbonna with a hamstring injury
while Joey O'Brien (calf), Alex Song (ankle) and Enner Valencia (knee) are
also out. Mauro Zarate and Pedro Obiang are hoping to shake off hamstring
and ankle problems respectively. Andy Carroll could feature again after
coming off the bench against Newcastle.

Opta stats

Man City have won their last 11 Premier League games in a row. The English
top-flight record is held by Arsenal with 14 wins in succession.

The Hammers are looking to win three successive Premier League away games
for the first time since September 2007.

Manchester City are unbeaten in their last nine PL home games against West
Ham, winning the last six in a row. Only against Newcastle (12) and
Sunderland (11) are they currently enjoying longer home PL unbeaten streaks.

Aguero has scored seven goals in his last six Premier League games at the
Etihad Stadium and four in his last five games (home or away) against West
Ham.

Manuel Pellegrini's side have gone nine hours and 26 minutes of Premier
League football since they last conceded a goal.

Manchester City have kept six successive clean sheets in league competition
for the first time.

Merson's prediction

This depends on Kompany - if he doesn't play it will be a different game. It
will be even more difficult with no Aguero, as we saw against Juventus. West
Ham have bundles of pace in their team to cause problems, but if City can
get David Silva on the ball, then it is a different game. I can only see a
narrow win. West Ham have plenty in their side. You take away their two
results against Leicester and Bournemouth and they'd be right up there. Was
that the pressure of the fans? We don't know.

I wouldn't be at all shocked if it ended in a draw.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 8/1)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet can become West Ham's David Silva if he continues fine form,
says Slaven Bilic
0 COMMENTS 22:30, 18 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY ROB MAUL
The French playmaker has started the season brilliantly and is already a
firm fan favourite in east London
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic feels Dimitri Payet will be West Ham 's main man at the Olympic
Stadium – and become as influential in the top flight as David Silva. Signed
for £10.7million from Marseille, playmaker Payet already looks like one of
the bargains of the season. The Frenchman, 28, one of the leading goal
creators in Europe's top five leagues last term, has scored three times in
five league matches for West Ham.
And manager Bilic has challenged Payet to emulate Spanish star Silva, 29,
and establish himself as a talismanic Premier League presence. The Croatian
said: "The difference between Payet and Silva is that Silva has been doing
it here for four years now – while Payet has done it for five games. "He has
to do it on a longer scale – which I think I will. "If he stays calm and
motivated which is also part of our job – and he doesn't get carried away by
the headlines he's making – then he will get to that level." Bilic bristled
at the idea that foreign players need time to adapt to playing in the
Premier League. He added: "They don't talk about adapting when a player
moves from France to Germany or Italy to France."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City view: Plenty of anxiety over Irons visit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Scott Loney is a freelance journalist who for the last couple of decades has
covered both Manchester teams for the nationals, in addition to both
Goal.com and Sky Sports.

He has also been a Manchester City supporter since his old man started
taking him from the age of five. He now believes he is getting rightful
payback for three decades of pain.

ironsmanAsk fans of Manchester City their prediction for the game and their
Irons' counterparts have good reasons to arrive at the Etihad Stadium in
even more confident mood.

It might come as a bit of a surprise when you consider Manuel Pellegrini's
team are currently running away with it at the top of the Premier League?

The Citizens boast the only 100 per cent record left and have yet to concede
a league goal this season.

But one thing our fan base can ever be accused of having is a sense of
entitlement which can usually be associated with that lot just outside the
Manchester boundary.

Which is why the visit of Slaven Bilic's team this Saturday has got plenty
fearing the worst.

City have been great this season, no two ways about it. There is a wonderful
balance which £44m man Raheem Sterling has brought to the side.

If nothing else, his diligent defensive work has turned Serbian left-back
Aleksandar Kolarov into a seemingly top-class defender (those who witnessed
his shambolic performance in the 2-1 win over City at the Boleyn, last
season, will be as bemused as City punters are by this)

This has also given the City rearguard a much-more solid look, and even
Eliaquim Mangala looks to have settled as a result.

Record £54m signing Kevin de Bruyne is in line to make his first start for
Manuel Pellegrini's team and he will clearly offer a world-class threat on
the right-hand side, rather than the wastefulness of Jesus Navas.

So why are City fans churning up over the Hammers? In boxing, they say
styles make fights, and this is a classic match-up between the slugger and
a counter-puncher.

If City connect, then it's lights out for most teams they come up against.

However, they do revel in playing a high defensive line and there is a real
healthy respect for how Bilic's team opened up Arsenal on the opening day of
the campaign.

This is the barometer City have been using in their preparations, rather
than your win at Anfield over Liverpool, a team which is still a combination
of odds and ends.

City fans see a Hammers team which has serious pace on the counter. More
importantly, they see one which is now allied with a decent technical
capacity.

As we have seen to our cost in the Champions League, City have still not
found the antidote to that combination, where teams can get away a quick
pass through the middle and have a run at our defence.

Yaya Toure is certainly applying himself much more this season but he has
lost a yard and is operating a little deeper as a result.

Along with the back-to-his-best, Fernandinho, they both ran themselves into
the ground in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Juventus.

There have to be serious question marks as to whether they will have
recovered sufficiently in time to give the City engine room the legs it
needs to operate at maximum.

Skipper Vincent Kompany felt a niggle in his calf against Juve and it won't
be a surprise if Argentinian centre back Nicolas Otamendi make his Premier
League debut.

That should be another area of encouragement for West Ham, with Otamendi
still new to it all.

City also come into this game knowing a win could see them pull further
clear of Chelsea and Arsenal, who play each other earlier in the day.

That will bring its own pressure gauge and the longer this clash goes
without a City opener, the better the Irons' chances will increase.

Sergio Aguero is expected to return (phew) but he remains in slight
discomfort following his attempted knee-capping by Crystal Palace defender
Scott Dann last weekend.

City are a different animal this season, the attitude and application is
spot-on. We have Aguero, Silva, Yaya, de Bruyne, and Sterling.

But your boys are a different animal, also. On paper, and with home
advantage, City win this game perhaps seven games out of ten?

The combination of midweek Champions League football, however, coupled with
our desire to always go forward, should make it a fascinating match-up.

If Payet can regularly drag you guys a further 15 yards upfield, and get his
fair share of support and cheap free-kicks, then you will be in business.

Should City score in the opening ten minutes, then I think we will have
enough in our locker to maybe play you at your own game and counter-attack
at pace.

My prediction would be a very tough 3-1 win, with City only putting the game
to bed very late in the day.

Good luck for the rest of the season, I genuinely think you can get a
top-seven finish and that would be a fitting parting gift for the old
stadium.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons rubbish striker report
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Reports that West Ham bid £10 million for Burak Yilmaz during the transfer
window have been rubbished by the club this evening. Turkish Football have
made the claim but a senior Irons source immediately dismissed the report to
ClaretandHugh along with so called revelations the player had a £30 million
release clause in his contract. Hammers sources scoffed at the claims saying
the highest bid was only ever £5 million as Slaven Biliv was always more
focused on his former Croatia international Nikicia Jelavic. One report
claimed that a £6.4 million deal had been agreed but a senior Hammers source
told us: "Not true – there were always preferred options to the player."
Despite Bilic knowing all about Yilmaz from his time at Besiktas in the
last two years he was always more interested in Jelavic as a better and
cheaper option given his Premier League experience. And eventually the Irons
moved in on deadline day to strengthen their options up front.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet v Tevez – Moncur rates them!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

I saw the comparison being drawn here yesterday between new boy Dimitri
Payet and the great Alan Devonshire but I think maybe a more interesting one
may be the Frenchman and Carlos Tevez.

It's still early days of course but I can see similarities between the two
especially their strength on the ball and the way they run at defenders.

There's differences between them of course and I think Carlos is more of an
out and out goalscorer but there's no question that his assist rate gives
Dimi the edge in that area.

What I like most about him is that when he gets into scoring positions he's
so clinical about it – calm as a cucumber as we saw against Newcastle.

We're very very fortunate to have him at the club particularly at the price
we've paid and his best years may well be in front of him so in terms of
making an out and out judgement of him in comparison to Carlos it's a bit
early.

At this moment – with our former player having 'been there and done it' –
I'd have to go for him if I had to choose which of them I'd have in my team
if I could only have one.

But Payet is a wonderful player and that may well change by the time his
Irons career is through. It's too tight and as I say, too early to call it
right at this moment.

We should all be giving thanks to Slaven and the board that they managed to
get this lad. He is going to have an extraordinary effect on our season.

O We're off to the Etihad tomorrow and it's important to keep the momentum
going as we were excellent against Newcastle and that was a seriously
important result. I see no reason why we shouldn't get something.

We are good enough to travel with a lot of hope this season and have a great
squad. Slav has made a great start, we are playing some terrific football.

I've got to say this, I was never an Allardyce man and the goals and quality
of our football at times this season shows you why.

We look and feel like West Ham again – and it's great.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham borrow against TV money
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham have once again borrowed against future income from the Premier
League TV rights. Papers filed with Companies House in August show West Ham
borrowed from a company called JG (James Grant) Funding Limited. In theory
they could borrow up to £60m which could be used like an over draft facility
to ease cash flow issues. Although JG Funding was once owned by the James
Grant Group which is chaired by Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy, we have been
assured that both the James Grant Group and Daniel Levy no longer has
anything to do with the funding arm which is now a completely separate
entity. Indeed ClaretandHugh has learned exclusively that the Hammers ran
stringent checks before borrowing and both they and Premier League received
assurances that was the case. JG Funding borrows its money from a company
called MouseHole Limited who shares a British Virgin Islands address with a
company called Vibrac who West Ham have borrowed from in previous years.

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