West Ham open their season next Monday with an eagerly awaited London derby against Chelsea, and ahead of the game, we’ve spoken to ReadChelsea head editor, Ryan Darby, to get the opposition’s viewpoint of the game.
How has Chelsea’s pre-season gone?
It was a mixed one for us. We got off to a fairly slow start, but who doesn’t? We spent time in Austria, the US and Germany as we can seemingly never have enough tours!
On the whole, the football was good. We got two new signings integrated into the squad and have much more of an idea about what’s to come.
In an ideal world, we’d have loved to get a couple of defenders through the door and get them involved in the squad.
What’s your impression of Antonio Conte?
So far, he seems the perfect fit for Chelsea. He’s so passionate on the touchline but personifies calmness in his press conferences.
He has given a lot of our players a reality check with double training sessions and demanding tactics, which they needed. Hopefully, as he learns more about the league and our players, we’ll see the best of him.
Conte is known for his differing formations and astute tactics, how do you think Chelsea will line up on Monday?
In pre-season, it’s either been a variation of 4-2-4 or 4-3-3. So either way, it’s likely to be attacking. Both formations look threatening and as we’ve yet to sign another forward, he may favour 4-3-3.
The 4-3-3 could see Oscar sit deep alongside new signing, N’Golo Kante and either Nemanja Matic or Cesc Fabregas.
A lot of Chelsea fans seem to think your defence needs strengthening, is that where your weakness is?
Completely. There is a very high chance that we’ll start a new season with the near enough same back four that started Jose Mourinho’s first season in charge back in 2013!
Branislav Ivanovic is ageing and John Terry is still widely our stand out defender, even in what is expected to be his last season.
With Kurt Zouma injured, we only have two fit senior central defenders in Gary Cahill and Terry. I’m sure we’ll strengthen though, I hope.
Who do you think your key player will be?
Eden Hazard.
I said this every week last season, hoping he’d turn his form around; he didn’t. But in pre-season, he’s looked sharp, fit and hungry, all of what he wasn’t last season.
A good Euros has helped him and he could start in his preferred central role.
How do you think West Ham will fare this season?
Moving to the new stadium will take its toll, but that comes with the territory. It’ll definitely take time to adjust but you’ve bought well and look ready for a new campaign.
Bilic has added quality as well as quantity, Feghouli on a free transfer is particularly daylight robbery!
Score prediction:
Tough opening game, 1-1.
