In a London derby at the London Stadium, West Ham United and Chelsea clash following their respective 1-1 draws to start the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Match Preview
The new Premier League season sees West Ham adjusting to life without Declan Rice in midfield. Their opening fixture against Bournemouth saw them take a 51st-minute lead through Jarrod Bowen, but Dominic Solanke's late equalizer meant they left with just a point.
West Ham's manager, David Moyes, admitted they invited pressure in the second half, a risky strategy they might not repeat against Chelsea. However, they return to the London Stadium with optimism, having won their final three home fixtures last season.
Chelsea, on the other hand, faced off-field turmoil prior to their meeting with Liverpool. They secured British-record deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but on the pitch, they were held 1-1 by Liverpool. Pochettino, Chelsea's new manager, has yet to lose a game since his appointment, aiming to reverse Chelsea's recent poor form in the Premier League.
Notably, the last meeting between West Ham and Chelsea at the London Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, and Chelsea has had the upper hand in recent clashes.
Team News
West Ham could feature newly-signed midfielders Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse in their first home game. Chelsea, however, is dealing with injuries. Reece James, their regular member, is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Several other players, including Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile, are also out with thigh injuries. Chelsea's medical room is crowded, giving opportunities to new signings like Caicedo and Lavia.
In summary, both teams have reasons for optimism and challenges as they prepare to face off in this London derby at the London Stadium.
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Chilwell; Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson