Overview
- Kick-off is 8:00 p.m. BST on Friday, August 22, with live coverage on Sky Sports in the UK and broadcasts on NBC, Stan Sport and JioHotstar internationally.
- Michael Oliver will referee the derby with Jarred Gillett on VAR, as confirmed in the latest match details.
- Chelsea remain without defender Levi Colwill following an ACL injury, and reports indicate Nicolas Jackson will not be in the squad due to uncertainty over his future.
- West Ham enter their home opener after a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland, with vice-chair Karren Brady publicly backing Graham Potter to turn results around.
- The fixture was moved from Saturday afternoon to Friday evening following Sky Sports’ selection and consultations with the Metropolitan Police.