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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Alex Brotherton

Man City fans name two changes to line-up they want to see vs West Ham

Manchester City fans are calling for Erling Haaland and Phil Foden to line up together when the Blues take on West Ham this afternoon.

Pep Guardiola's side travel to the London Stadium for their Premier League opener to face a Hammers side that caused them lots of problems in the penultimate game of last season.

In fairness to City they had plenty of injury issues to deal with ahead of that 2-2 draw, but today Guardiola has an almost fully fit squad to pick from - although Aymeric Laporte remains sidelined.

City's new £51m striker Haaland could make his Premier League debut, and he'll be eager to put an underwhelming performance in the Community Shield behind him.

READ MORE: Follow West Ham vs City LIVE

Phil Foden missed City's pre-season tour of the US, but supporters are hoping that he'll start alongside the Norwegian striker. Here is the starting XI that Manchester Evening News readers want to see deployed:

Goalkeeper - Ederson

If there is one sure starter in Guardiola's side, it's Ederson. Although the Brazilian's performance levels did seem to dip slightly towards the end of last season, his build-up play abilities make him the undisputed starter unless something drastic happens.

The arrival of Stefan Ortega should provide a bit more competition for his place, but the pressure should only serve to motivate him more.

Defenders - Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Joao Cancelo

Three of the back four pick themselves after impressing in pre-season, but the inclusion of John Stones is the big talking point here. His absence from the US tour gave Nathan Ake the chance to partner Ruben Dias at the back, and largely he's fared well.

However, if the 2-2 draw at the end of last season is anything to go by then West Ham will defend resolutely and compactly, so Stones' superior ability on the ball and passing vision could prove important in City breaking down the defence.

Midfielders - Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva

Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva all looked good in the defeat by Liverpool last weekend, and supporters have picked Bernardo to start today despite speculation on his future intensifying this week.

Barcelona are confident that they can sign the Portuguese star, but to be fair to Bernardo his attitude and performance levels have been superb over the past two years despite twice asking to leave the club. There is no reason to suspect that will change now.

Forwards - Riyad Mahrez, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden

City fans want to see Riyad Mahrez and Haaland keep their places in the side, but would like Foden to replace Jack Grealish on the left wing.

Foden - despite missing the pre-season tour - looked sharp when he came off the bench against Liverpool and played a key role in City's equaliser.

Haaland showed signs of good link-up with his new teammates, but it may take time until the on-field understanding is fully there. The partnership between Foden and Haaland is an incredibly exciting prospect.

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