High-flying West Ham host champions Manchester City on Sunday in an intriguing early season clash. The Hammers have started impressively while City remains as formidable as ever.

West Ham United vs Manchester City

The match will take place on Saturday, 16th September 2023, at London Stadium, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the Stratford district of London.

Hammers Hold Firm to Grind Out Gutsy Win at Luton

West Ham dug deep to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Luton Town in a feisty Premier League encounter.

On a hostile night at Kenilworth Road, the Hammers had to roll up their sleeves and battle for all three points against the energetic hosts.

David Moyes' side were made to work relentlessly by a Luton team playing their first home game back in the top flight.

The Hatters more than matched West Ham's intensity early on, harrying and pressing with fervor to rouse a raucous home crowd.

New midfield duo Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse initially struggled to find fluency and retain possession.

But the experienced pair grew into the game to gradually help West Ham take control through their composure on the ball.

The Hammers were almost carved open when Alphonse Areola flapped at a deep cross. But Luton failed to capitalize on the keeper's moment of madness.

Gradually West Ham minimized the mistakes and began to make inroads going forward. The opener duly arrived 10 minutes before the break.

Summer signing Lucas Paqueta was afforded time and space to pick out a pinpoint cross. Jarrod Bowen eluded his marker to head home past the flat-footed Thomas Kaminski.

Despite the breakthrough, this was no vintage West Ham performance. But they displayed admirable resilience and game management to grind out victory.

After the break, the Hammers were quick to slow the tempo down and take the sting out of Luton's pressing.

Mark Noble's absence was notable, with West Ham lacking the leadership to take command of midfield. But the experienced back four stood firm.

Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma and summer arrival Nayef Aguerd were colossal at the back, repelling Luton's direct balls forward.

When the hosts did threaten, Areola redeemed his earlier error with an excellent close-range stop to deny Elijah Adebayo.

Going forward, West Ham remained dangerous on the counterattack through the pace of Bowen and livewire Said Benrahma.

The late consolation for Luton only served to flatter the home side on the balance of play.

Make no mistake - this was an invaluable triumph earned through determination and defensive discipline.

On their tough travels to open the season, West Ham displayed a steeliness and maturity missing at times last campaign.

While short of free-flowing fluency, the gritty Hammers continue finding ways to win. It's the hallmark of a team with top-six ambitions.

Haaland Hat-Trick Papers Over City Cracks

Manchester City secured a 4-1 win over Fulham thanks to a Erling Haaland hat-trick, but the scoreline masked an unconvincing overall performance.

The champions were far from their free-flowing best, looking disjointed and surrendering the initiative to impressive Fulham for long periods.

But City found a way to grind out a victory, with Haaland's clinical finishing proving the difference against the newly promoted Cottagers.

Manager Pep Guardiola was absent from the dugout as he recovered from recent back surgery. And his presence was certainly missed as City struggled for rhythm.

Despite dominating possession, clear-cut chances were hard to come by in a scrappy first-half display.

Kevin De Bruyne's creativity was also sorely missed, with City's attacks lacking imagination. Makeshift midfielder Manuel Akanji looked uneasy on the ball.

The breakthrough came from City's first shot on target in 17 minutes. But it was hardly constructed by slick interplay.

Haaland's heavy touch forced a sliced effort across goal that fell kindly for Julian Alvarez to convert.

Before City could settle, some calamitous set piece defending immediately allowed Fulham to equalize. Andreas Pereira's corner was glanced on for Tim Ream to bundle home at the far post.

Suddenly unsteady City were vulnerable again moments later as Fulham poured forward with confidence. Only a goal-line clearance prevented them from falling behind.

Despite enjoying 70% of the ball, City could not translate possession into clear openings. The absence of De Bruyne's guile was glaring.

Jack Grealish was also a big miss on the left flank. Neither he nor fellow winger Mahrez made the matchday squad.

The champions were far from cohesive in the first half. But crucially, they managed to retake the lead just before the interval.

Nathan Ake's contested header led to a VAR check for a potential offside infringement. But the goal was allowed despite Fulham's furious protests.

Buoyed by the reprieve, City looked more assured after the break and carved Fulham open at will.

The visitors were left chasing shadows as Rodri and Gundogan bossed midfield to allow the flair players to shine.

Bernardo Silva was now drifting into dangerous pockets of space between the lines. And the always lively Alvarez provided the spark City had lacked.

On the hour mark, Alvarez won a penalty after neat interplay on the edge of the box. Haaland stepped up to smash home his second goal with trademark precision.

From there, City turned on the style against tiring Fulham legs. The Norwegian wrapped up his hat-trick in added time to put the gloss on a deceptive scoreline.

In truth, City were some way below their imperious best for long stretches. But their ruthlessness in front of goal proved the difference.

Haaland continues to make the seemingly impossible appear routine. On an under par afternoon elsewhere, his predatory finishing secured victory.

Make no mistake, Guardiola will demand an improved performance after the international break. But for now, City marched on with maximum points thanks to their lethal marksman.

Predicted Lineups

West Ham: Alphonse Areola, Emerson, Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma, Vladimir Coufal, James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, Saïd Benrahma, Lucas Paquetá, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio

Man City: Ederson, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Rodri, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland

Key Battles

Bowen vs Cancelo - Pacy winger up against City's attacking fullback

Scamacca v Dias - Striker's physicality meets defender's supremacy