Chelsea take on West Ham United so we checked in with the interweb’s hottest new Hammers site to see what’s what with Slaven Bilic’s men.
West Ham United fans have a new site to get top content, so we checked in with Green Street Hammers (greenstreethammers.com) to get the lowdown ahead of Chelsea’s first Premier League game. The Editor, Scott Johnson, was kind enough to lend us some intel about the Blues’ London neighbours.
Q1. What is the general feeling surrounding West Ham’s prospects this season?
Most fans are realistic, but there is some disappointment around the transfer market. The board promised a marquee striker and although Andre Ayew is decent, he isn’t what was promised. Some are expecting continued progress, but the general expectation is more of the same. Hopeful, but not too demanding, would be my summary.
Q2. You managed to keep hold of Dimitri Payet. How key is he to a successful year?
Hugely. Not only is he one of the Premier League’s best players but he brings everyone else up a level. He adds something with his freekicks and he’s a constant threat when he’s on the a ball. A great eye for a pass but also a willing dribbler, he’s a tough person to keep hold of. Not selling him is also a great sign of our growth as a club.
Q3. Taking Payet as a given, who else should Chelsea be wary of?
Andy Carroll is a huge threat at the moment. Juventus couldn’t even contain him and he looks on top form. If he can bring Ayew and Sofiane Feghouli, the two wingers I assume to be starting tomorrow, into the game then we’ll have a chance. Both are quick and will exploit any gaps. Ayew scored on the opening day last season against Chelsea, I hope he can do it again.
Q4. Starting the season away from home, how cautious will Bilic’s tactics be?
Slaven Bilic will not want to soak up too much pressure, he knows our strength relies on getting forward. Against Arsenal in the opener last season we aimed to contain and then explode forward, and I expect the same again. Not giving Eden Hazard and the Chelsea midfielders space will be the key on Monday.
Q5. Go on, give us a score prediction, and a prediction for where West Ham will finish this season.
I’ve predicted 1-1 before, and I think that will satisfy both managers. Bilic will be trying to keep it tight, and Antonio Conte will want to avoid an opening day loss. I expect more of a chess match than the chaos that was Wenger v Klopp. But they are completely different managers and they realise winning is more important than winning pretty. Score draw, nothing crazy.
Cheers to Scott and all you West Ham fans should check out Green Street Hammers for great analysis and opinion. Even better, catch them on Twitter and approach them about joining as a staff writer to see your opinion expressed on a world platform!
As for Monday night’s game, who do you think Chelsea should keep an eye on? Let us know in the comments below!