Charlie Nicholas has not been impressed by the business Manuel Pellegrini has completed at West Ham United this summer, and is predicting a crushing defeat for the Hammers when they face Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
Despite West Ham breaking their transfer record to bring in Sebastien Haller and further adding players such as Pablo Fornals, Goncalo Cardoso, Albian Ajeti, Roberto, and David Martin, Nicholas is far from convinced.
The Sky Sports pundit believes Pellegrini lost his best player when sanctioning the exit of forward Marko Arnautovic, in a move which was forced after the Austrian handed in yet another transfer request at the club.
Because of that, Nicholas has predicted Man City to run riot at the London Stadium on his Sky Sports Premier League predictions, claiming it will take West Ham a while to get going and that they will start with a 0-3 defeat.
Nicholas said: “West Ham have lost Marko Arnautovic, their best player. I like Manuel Pellegrini and he did a great job last season, but I don’t think he’s done the business in the transfer window.”
“It will take West Ham some time to get into the groove, but Manchester City are ready to rip it up and make a statement once more. Kevin De Bruyne will score here.”
OPINION
It comes as no surprise to see many people backing Man City to beat the Hammers this weekend, with the Premier League champions a daunting task for any side on the opening weekend. Nicholas needs to take another look at the Hammers’ squad and reevaluate his comments – especially regarding their transfer business. To call Arnautovic West Ham’s best player is ludicrous, especially with how they have replaced him. The Austrian definitely caused too many problems in the dressing room and West Ham are in a much better place without him. Pellegrini will surely be delighted with his transfer business, having added a player in each position that he felt needed improving. The Chilean’s defence looked vulnerable so he added in Cardoso, and Haller lacked backup upfront so he added Ajeti. West Ham can be delighted with their transfer business and will look forward to proving certain pundits, such as Nicholas wrong throughout this campaign.
