TV pundit Mark Lawrenson believes that the game between West Ham and Manchester City tomorrow lunchtime will be a tighter affair than previous fixtures between the two clubs.

The Hammers lost 4-0 to the Citizens at the London Stadium last season but, predicting how the match will go tomorrow, the former Liverpool defender said he thinks Manuel Pellegrini’s side will put up a good fight:

“West Ham have had a busy summer signing a bunch of players and I am looking forward to seeing how they shape up, but I can’t see City slipping up.”

“City generally go to London Stadium and spank the Hammers – their four visits have seen them win 5-0, 4-0 4-1 and 4-0. I don’t think it will be quite that easy this time though.”

Lawrenson still believes that the away side will come out the winners, though, with City edging the encounter 2-1.

West Ham will start some of their summer signings for the match, with £45m recruit from Eintracht Frankfurt, Sebastien Haller, likely to lead the line.

£24m signing Pablo Fornals could also make his competitive debut in the match, while the likes of Albian Ajeti and Goncalo Cardoso will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

In terms of injuries, captain Mark Noble will be out due to a thigh injury, but Lukasz Fabianski should be fit to return after a groin problem.