West Ham is continuing their preparations for the 2021/22 campaign against their most formidable opponent yet in Celtic, as the Gaffer prepares for a homecoming.
After collecting their second win of the preseason, West Ham has traveled north to face Celtic today at Celtic Park. The Scottish giants have already started their competitive season, playing the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
Celtic will be allowing in roughly 18,000 fans, which will make it the largest away crowd West Ham has faced in quite some time. Not only will this be a massive test of skill, but mental stability. Hammer’s fans have not been allowed to make the trip, but the match can once again be viewed on the team’s official social media channels.
The Gaffer will be stepping foot back into Celtic Park, a familiar home, as a visitor this go around. In his return to the North, he will be bringing his trusted goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski, as he returns from Euro 2020 break. The Polish international returned to training this week and should feature at some point this afternoon.
West Ham v Celtic: A David Moyes homecoming preview
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Just like last week against Reading, the same five Hammers will be missing as they are still on international holiday. As we patiently wait for the West Ham brass to make a senior signing, Celtic have been very busy, already making nine summer signings. West Ham will also see their former forward, Albian Ajeti, at some point this afternoon.
Blast from the past
These two sides have faced off against each other only four other times and only once in Scotland. The only additional time the Hammers played in Celtic Park was in 2000. Former Hammer and Bhoy, Paolo Di Canio, scored during that preseason friendly, but Celtic walked away victorious.
Besides Ajeti and Di Canio, these two sides have shared some pretty remarkable talent. Frank McAvennie, Billy Grassam, John Hartson, Craig Bellamy, Eyal Berkovic, Ian Wright, Marc Rieper, Stuart Slater, Carlton Cole, John Cushley, Oko-Flex, and Jeremie Aliadiere have all donned the Claret and Blue as well as Celtics famous Green and whites.
Expect to see a steady flow of youth again, but not as much as before. The Hammers U23 side played yesterday, meaning more senior talent should showcase. We predict it to end even at two apiece, keeping the Hammers happy during their fantastic preseason. From here, they will face Brentford and Atalanta over the next two Saturdays, before the season kicks off in just three weeks.