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Hammers recent recruitment drive, instigated by ex-Everton super scout Tony Henry, has seen a distinct shift in emphasis, no longer are the club looking for ageing 'cheap' stop gaps, instead the key word is youth. Of course this does not mean a hell for leather throw them in at the deep end approach, rather a let's integrate youth with players who are at the top of their game and peak of fitness, that way the knowledge and wisdom of the senior players can be passed on directly, there is no substitute for experience.

West Ham's first game at the Olympic Stadium will be a pre season friendly against the Old lady 'La Vecchia Signora' as they are known, or Juventus to most people, on Sunday the 7th of August.Two time European champions Juventus are one game away from winning their fifth consecutive Italian title and It will be the first time the two sides have played each other. Slaven Bilic said: "It will be a privilege to face one of the biggest clubs in the world in our opening game at the new stadium.

Quique Sanchez Flores has made wholesale changes for Watford ahead of his team's weekend FA Cup semi final at Wembley against Everton, although he does have Troy Deeney on the bench. Slaven Billic had the Sakman available to include in his squad, their spat appears to have been buried as he makes a start.
West Ham: Adrian, Antonio, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Payet, Sakho, Carroll
Subs: Randolph, Byram, Tomkins, Collins, Obiang, Moses, Emenike
Watford: Gomes, Paredes, Prodl, Cathcart, Holebas, Suarez, Behrami, Guedioura, Jurado, Abdi, Amrabat