Hammers facing huge challenge

West Ham have allocated 5,200 tickets for their EFL Cup visit to the London Stadium ahead of their biggest security challenge at the London Stadium yet.

They are facing their first serious grudge match this season as they prepare for the fourth round of the EFL Cup a week on Wednesday.

Under competition rules, away teams can claim up to 10 per cent of the stadium’s capacity to sell to their own supporters. Chelsea requested their full allocation — 5,700 tickets of the 57,000-capacity stadium — but West Ham are restricted to hosting 5,200 opposition fans because of infrastructure issues.

Football League approval is expected to be granted for that although Chelsea are frustrated at seeing their fans unable  to buy tickets and make plans for a match which is now less than a fortnight away.

The difficulties at the staidum are exacerbated by Met Police being unable to deploy officers inside the ground with the force saying their position won’t change.

West Ham have taken steps to reassure supporters of their safety and they will try to avoid Chelsea fans buying seats in the home end by only selling to people who have bought tickets from them in the last five years.