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2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 1
West Ham United v Manchester City
London Stadium
London, England
Sunday, 7 August 2022
Kick-off is at 15h30
Manchester City will look to get their title defence off to a winning start when they travel to West Ham on the opening weekend of the 2022/23
Premier League season.
The Citizens pipped Liverpool to league honours by a single point on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, although they were beaten 3-1 by the FA Cup holders in the Community Shield.
City have dominated this fixture in recent times, going 13 games undefeated against the Hammers in the league, with their last loss coming in September 2015.
However, the east Londoners tasted success against Pep Guardiola's side more recently after knocking them out of the EFL Cup in fourth round on penalties last term.
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Guardiola has no doubts that his players will be up to the challenge of defending their crown and insists they will reach their high standards in no time.
"There is no reason not to be confident - no reason," the Spaniard said. "What these guys have done, not just in the Premier League, but in the cups and the steps we have made in Europe and in many things.
"I don't know what will happen at the end of the season or during the season. I don't know. But I am pretty sure I know these guys and I would never, ever doubt for one second about that.
"We lost a final, we would prefer to win. We have a lot of respect and credit for the opponent. We know what the standard is and we will reach the standards as quickly as possible and maintain what we have done always."
The capital club were unable to sustain their push for UEFA Champions League football after losing just six times before the turn of the year.
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David Moyes' troops eventually finished seventh to qualify for the Europa League once more as their exertions in the competition took its toll on their domestic campaign.
Vladimír Coufal admits their clash with City will be a real litmus test and he has urged Hammers fans to come out in their droves to back the team on Sunday.
"It's a good start of the season. Yeah, how you said, it's almost the best team in the world and we will see how good we are in the start of the new season," Coufal said.
"Of course, I'm excited! I'm always excited to play Premier League games, especially at London Stadium in front of our fans! I'm expecting really a good atmosphere and hopefully our fans will be our 12th player."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
West Ham - 1
Man City - 3
Draws - 1
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