The long await is over and West Ham’s season finally starts on Monday (you had to make us wait all weekend though Sky Sports, didn’t you). Chelsea away is a very tough test to start with and Bilic’s tactics and team selection will have to be perfect if the Hammers are to come away with a result.
Last season, Bilic adopted a 4-3-2-1 formation against the bigger sides which worked superbly and he will be expected to do the same. This involved a regular back four, three CDMs, two wingers and a striker up top on his own.
It is also Antonio Conte’s first competitive match in charge of Chelsea, so it is setting up to be a great clash. Conte is renowned as a tactical genius and Bilic’s reputation is rapidly growing every season.
There have been new additions to the squad and competition is rife for some positions, but this is how West Ham should line up against Chelsea on Monday, including no less than four new signings.
