After watching their side get through to the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Europa League, the West Ham supporters at the Football Transfer Tavern are looking forward to the Chelsea game on Monday night.
The punters who support the Hammers know that they will be the underdogs, but then they were when they bet Arsenal 2-0 on the opening day last season.
The punters at the tavern bar are dismissing those who say that West Ham will be easily beaten by Chelsea, and feel like they are going to be the ones to ruin Conte’s opening party.
There have been some brilliant signings made by West Ham in the window and they are likely to play a part in the game.
The landlord talks through the West Ham team that could go on to surprise Chelsea and their manager Antonio Conte. Do you agree with this team and do you think West Ham will be able to get a result?
GOALKEEPER: Adrian
It seems as though it is Adrian who plays matches in the league and Randolph who will be playing cup competitions.
Adrian is capable of producing outstanding saves and often shows that and West Ham will need their goalkeeper to be on top form.
If the Spaniard can avoid making any mistakes he could be a key player in this match.
RIGHT BACK: Sam Byram
He has had to play a lot of games at left back in pre-season and has impressed while playing there.
However now that West Ham have signed a left back he should be able to return to his natural position at right back.
There has been talk of the Hammers signing another right back, but the man signed from Leeds will be determined to impress and prove that he should be first choice even if someone else does come in.
CENTRE BACK: Winston Reid
The New Zealand international is a very good defensive player and with Chelsea having such an abundance of attacking talent, West Ham will need him to be on top form.
He is good in the air and has a very good tackling technique and will be a hard first opponent for Michy Batshuayi if the Belgium international plays.
Expect to see Reid battling for the whole 90 minutes and organising his team mates.
CENTRE BACK: Angelo Ogbonna
Ogbonna is also very good defensively but is a bit better on the ball than his centre back partner.
He will be the man who starts attacks after breaking up the play and his technical ability could help West Ham get out of difficult situations, and get a bit of rest time on the ball if the players need it.
He will be tested defensively, but he should be able to overcome that test, which will allow his class to show.
LEFT BACK: Arthur Masuaku
West Ham desperately needed a left back before the beginning of the season so that Sam Byram and Michail Antonio could go back to their natural positions, and Arthur Masuaku is the man who has come in.
He has played in the Champions League while at Olympiacos and so is used to playing against high level opposition.
He should be able to quickly slot into the side and establish himself as a member of the team.
HOLDING MIDFIELDER: Mark Noble
West Ham’s captain will be vital for West Ham and he will have to put on a brilliant performance if his team are going to have any chance of beating their London rivals.
He is a very combative player and so he will have to get the balance right between aggression and control, as if he is too aggressive he could get sent off but if he isn’t aggressive enough then the midfield could get overrun.
He will also be important going forward, as he has very good delivery, which could give the more attacking players in the team a goalscoring opportunity.
HOLDING MIDFIELDER: Cheikhou Kouyate
After scoring the first two goals at the Olympic Stadium, Kouyate will be raring to get back on the pitch and play again.
He will have a more defensive role against Chelsea, due to the strength of their team, but he will still look to put the ball in the net if he is given the chance.
He scored in the aforementioned opening day win against Arsenal last season and he would love to add a goal in this year’s opening game.
RIGHT WINGER: Michail Antonio
Antonio has worked for the team and gone to right back when needed and he could be rewarded with a spot back in his favourite position.
He showed what he can do when he sprinted half of the pitch and then delivered a brilliant ball for West Ham’s second goal in the home tie against Domžale, and the Hammers will hope he can repeat that against Chelsea.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER:Dimitri Payet
For obvious reasons West Ham are going to do everything they can to get Dimitri Payet fit and ready for the first game of the season.
He only returned to training on Friday and played about 20 minutes in the friendly against Juventus, but he is very likely to play a part against Chelsea, West Ham just hope that is from the start, rather than having him come off of the bench.
LEFT WINGER: Sofiane Feghouli
Sofiane Feghouli has had a good start to life as a West Ham player, as he scored the third goal in the Olympic Stadium’s opening game.
He has shown pace and precision when he has played in claret and blue and it looks as though he could become a fans’ favourite.
A goal or assist and a big performance against Chelsea would be a great way to get him on his way to getting that status.
STRIKER: Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll scored against Chelsea last season and will be feeling very confident ahead of this game, after scoring twice in the friendly against Juventus.
The Englishman will try to cause havoc for the Chelsea defence, using his physical attributes and aerial prowess and will also look to ensure that his team mates always have an outball.
He does so much more than just score goals but he will definitely be aiming to get on the score sheet against the blues.
