West Ham kick off their 2022/23 Premier League campaign with a clash against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
The Hammers have been active in the transfer market this summer, but could be without a number of their new additions heading in to their curtain-raiser at the London Stadium.
Centre-back Nayef Aguerd is ruled out through injury, while Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca is still a little way off match fitness.
Irons manager David Moyes explained: “Gianluca has only recently joined us so he’s a bit behind.
“I’m not expecting him to be available this weekend. We’ve made some good signings in the summer but we’ve also had one or two injuries which doesn’t help.”
Also, set to miss out is Angelo Ogbonna, who is continuing his recovery after missing most of last season with an ACL injury. The Italian is still “three or four weeks” away from being in contention, according to Moyes.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether attacker Maxwel Cornet will feature after completing his switch from Burnley at the end of the week.
Here is our predicted starting XI for West Ham’s opening weekend clash against Man City...
Centre-back Nayef Aguerd is ruled out through injury, while Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca is still a little way off match fitness.
5. LB: Aaron Cresswell
Expect to see Cresswell slot in at left-back in the Hammers’ season opener.
6. CM: Declan Rice
The Irons’ talisman might just be the first name on the team sheet.
7. CM: Tomas Soucek
The towering Czech is very much Rice’s partner in crime.
8. RM: Pablo Fornals
The Spaniard really came into his own last season, and should have plenty of opportunities to kick on again this term.