WHU vs CHE: West Ham would like to take the confidence of last season’s Europa Conference League victory forward when they face fellow Londoners Chelsea in a scintillating Premier League fixture on Saturday. The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League last season, but ended their 40-year wait for a major silverware when they beat Fiorentina 2-1 in Czech Republic in the Europa Conference League final.
West Ham had a decent pre-season, winning the first three friendlies. However, their form dipped towards the end and they lost two friendly matches before drawing the first PL game against Bournemouth.
The Hammers had to deal with departures too as their captain Declan Rice left for Arsenal in a record £105 million deal before the start of the season. David Moyes reacted quickly in the market, signing midfielders Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse to replace the 24-year old. Moyes also signed midfielder Nikola Vlasic on loan.
Talking to the media ahead of the match, West Ham manager David Moyes announced that both Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse were available for the match.
“I’m not sure we’ve got anyone unavailable. Both James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez are available for Sunday. James has Premier League experience and has scored and assisted goals throughout his career. Edson will bring us something as well and I hope both will be great signings for us.”
The Hammers boss was asked to comment upon Chelsea’s spending spree. “Chelsea spent a lot of money last year as well and it doesn’t always guarantee success. They’re entitled to do it as they do and they have signed a lot of really talented players,” Moyes said.
Regarding his rivalry with new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, Moyes said, “Mauricio Pochettino has been here before and knows the league well. He’s very experienced now and it’s always good to go up against the best managers. He’s in that bracket.”
West Ham predicted XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio
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