West Ham team against Manchester City

[John Simkin]

Going by the form showed at the end of last season and the pre-season friendly games I would suggest this should be the line-up against Manchester City:

Green

Neill, Collins, Gabbidon, McCarthy

Ljungberg , Noble, Parker (Bowyer) Boa Morte

Bellamy, Zamora

I expect Ashton to come on as a sub for the first few games.

As Curbs paid so much money for Upson he is almost certain to start with him. I thought Upson looked far too slow against Norwich. He nearly gave away a goal when he ran (very slowly) with the ball into the penalty area.

I think Collins' form at the end of last season should make him an automatic choice. His one problem is that he is not quick, therefore I would prefer Gabbidon with Collins.