Mauricio Pochettino is due for a reunion with James Ward-Prowse at The London Stadium today. The Hammers Premier League clash with Chelsea should see the Hammers new boy make his West Ham debut.
The new Blues boss once described Ward Prowse as a role model when he was the Saints’ manager in 2013. Pochettino manged the player for 43 games before eventually moving to Tottenham, and rated the Englishman highly.
Hammers new boy James Ward Prowse will be looking to remind his former boss of his qualities.
Poch will be fully aware of the new Hammers set-piece abilities, which may well be West Ham’s best chance of a win. Chelsea impressed in their opening EPL game against Liverpool. David Moyes side can expect long periods of defending the Blues swarming attack.
As a result, West Ham’s best chance of a win will be from a counter attack or set-play. . . So step forward Mr James Ward Prowse.
Moyes has spent a long time chasing the Southampton captain, so I’d expect him to go straight into the team. Whilst I suspect he’ll ease Edson Alvarez into the side, he’s unlikely to show the same caution with his new £30m England international.