Ndidi Braced For Tough Hammers Encounter

First Team
22 Aug 2021
2 Minutes
West Ham United are likely to pose as stern a test as they did last season on Monday evening, says Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

- Wilfred Ndidi previews Leicester City's visit to West Ham United on Monday (8pm kick-off)
- The Foxes midfielder believes the Hammers will once again be a tough opponent at London Stadium
- City go into the fixture hoping to secure back-to-back victories at the start of the new season
- The Hammers will also be looking to do the same after winning at Newcastle United last time out

The Hammers secured the east London club's highest-ever Premier League points tally last term and were the only side to do 'the double' over City, who finished the campaign one place above David Moyes' men in the final top-flight standings. 

Leicester head to London Stadium on Monday (8pm kick-off) hoping to resume their otherwise impressive record at West Ham's new home after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day of the new season last weekend.

Speaking midway through the Foxes' preparations for the encounter, midfielder Ndidi explained why he feels the fixture will be a tough one for the visitors, who are looking to start a new campaign with back-to-back victories for the second year in succession. 

I think it’s one of those games we have to get something out of and then try and look forward to the next one. We’ll try to get [the win] and then look forward to the next one

Wilfred Ndidi LCFC TV

"For me, I always believe in growth," the Nigeria international told LCFC TV. "When a team does well last season, they always believe, the growth comes, so they are a very good side.

"They’re ready to go for it and, as I said, in the Premier League, there’s no smaller team. Everyone is just the same. All that matters is the 90 minutes.

"I think it’s one of those games we have to get something out of and then try and look forward to the next one. We’ll try to get [the win] and then look forward to the next one."

Youri Tielemans in conversation with manager Brendan Rodgers during the 1-0 win over Wolves.

Ndidi is delighted to be back alongside Youri Tielemans in midfield for Leicester, a combination the Club's supporters have come to rely on, after the summer break. Tielemans, of course, ended last season by scoring the winning goal in the final of the Emirates FA Cup.

"We’ve played together and we built our relationship," Ndidi added. "We complement each other and we understand the game, we understand each other.

"The main job is to try and help the team. When we get the opportunity to be together, we try to help the team. Youri’s a fantastic player and I’m very glad to play alongside him and we look forward to more to come."

All times BST.