A summer of speculation and patience has come to end and even two international tournaments weren’t able to tame our excitement at getting back to Upton Park and the Premier League.
Some shrewd transfer business that is quite possibly unfinished along with pivotal Premier League experience that fills the squad whose main aim must to survive in the top flight. But what can we expect from the opening day of the season?
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An old school atmosphere
I think it’s fair to admit that Upton Park was a subdued place at times last season, and understandably so to an extent with the side struggling in home games. But however, this time around will be different no?
A fantastic end to last season that resulted in a brilliant day at Wembley and surely no Hammers fans would have wanted to go up any other way after that glorious Saturday in north London. I have seen plenty of discontent amongst supporters this summer however, mainly due to people getting their hopes up about big money signings, but if you look at the business done so far, it is extremely good.
First game of the season – It’s a massive p*ss up, right?
The pubs will be packed pre match and a sell-out crowd I’m sure will get behind the team, with bubbles making the hairs on your neck stand up before kick-off and hopefully throughout. It’s our chance to show we are worthy of the Premier League.
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A nervy start
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I’m sure the fans will be feeling nervous as the teams come out onto the pitch at 2.58 on Saturday afternoon so I wonder how the players will feel? The likes of Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan should deal with it, but new signings and younger players will no doubt feel the nerves and so expect a few wayward passes, long clearances and losses of possession early on. As long as we don’t get immediately on the players backs, they should relax and thrive on the occasion.
It is a game that West Ham simply won’t want to lose at first, with a strong Villa side arriving in East London and the fact the Hammers have had some poor pre-season results, but the longer the score stays at 0-0 the more confidence that should grow amongst the players. We can’t go there expecting a win!
Villa will be up for it
A new manager, some new signings and a dreadful season last time out, Aston Villa will be raring to go on Saturday.
Paul Lambert workedwonders with Norwich City over the past three seasons and a step up to a bigger club should only improve him as a boss.
A talented group of youngsters are coming through at Villa along with the experienced heads of Richard Dunne and Shay Given to work with them, a recipe for success. The goal threat of Darren Bent is an obvious worry and the pace on the wings could cause West Ham’s weakest areas untold problems.
They will see this game as a very winnable fixture and will arrive confident of taking all three points at Upton Park so expect them to come out all guns blazing.
Not long now…COYI!!!
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I expect us to defend in numbers and then counter. Having darren bent will make them more likely to score on the break but they are very bad at defending set plays, especially corners so, if he plays, i think ginge collins is very likely to score against his old club with a header from a corner.