The start of West Ham’s Premier League campaign is in disarray, as the club revealed they’ll have to play their first three matches of the season away from home.
Following the announcement of the new Premier League season’s fixtures list today, the Hammers have confirmed their second game, scheduled to be at home against Southampton, may have to be rearranged due to the World Athletics Championships being held at the London Stadium a week before.
Speaking via their club website, West Ham said: “Our opening fixtures in August will be played away from home as London Stadium welcomes the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
“Supporters are therefore advised that our second fixture of the campaign, against Southampton, will be rescheduled, with further details to follow.”
The World Athletics Championships takes place between August 5 and 13, which means the stadium will not be ready for the fixture against the Saints on August 19.
The Hammers’ first match of the season is away to Manchester United on Saturday August 12, while their third, on Saturday 26, is a trip to Championship winners Newcastle.
The rearranged schedule therefore means Slaven Bilic’s side will play new boys Huddersfield in their first home fixture on Saturday September 9.
What a mess, eh?