West Ham United are expecting to smash a 45-year-old record when they entertain London rivals Chelsea in the league cup later this month.
Match stewards attempt to make West Ham United fans sit down
A woeful start to the season and life at their new 60,000 Olympic Stadium home has left morale on the pitch and in the stands at a new low.
Fighting amongst fans and safety fears at the ground as well as a perceived lack of the famous intimidating Hammers atmosphere from Upton Park has seen the stadium switch cited by many as a reason for the club’s contrast in fortunes compared to their fantastic campaign last term.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
Five defeats from the first seven Premier League games is the club’s worst ever start to a season and Bilic’s side were also unceremoniously dumped out of Europe in qualifying too.
Some Dimitri Payet magic helped stopped the rot against Middlesbrough last time out in a 1-1 draw.
West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet
And there was more positive news from the club this week after it was announced the Hammers fully expect to break a 45-year-old attendance record against the Blues when they come to the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday October 26th in the fourth round of the League Cup.
West Ham’s capacity is currently capped at 57,000 until the local authorities are satisfied safety requirements are being met and that the club can control those persistently standing.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
And according to the club’s official website Slaven Bilic’s side look set to take on their bitter West London rivals in front of a full house in what is the first true test of the controversial new stadium.
It will also be the first ever London derby at the Hammers’ new home and will give supporters who are undecided over the matchday experience in the arena a good barometer of whether it can genuinely work out as their home in the long term.
Chelsea, nearly 60,000 fans, under the lights, in the cup. All the ingredients are there to rekindle that famous Upton Park atmosphere.
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