The Big Preview: West Ham United v Chelsea

Article by Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

Current Form

Chelsea travel to the Boleyn Ground in urgent need of three points following poor results prior to the International break against Newcastle and West Brom. The Hammers themselves could also use a victory, as their hitherto impressive away form hit an unexpected bump at Carrow Road in their last outing.

Generally though, it has been West Ham’s poor home form that sees them only outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Since their opening day victory against Cardiff City, The Hammers have failed to record a Premiership victory on their own turf, conceding three times against Everton and Manchester City, and failing to score in home games against Stoke City and Aston Villa. Contrast this to their impressive away form, where they recorded a superb 3-0 win at White Hart Lane, while gaining credible draws at Newcastle and Southampton. Chelsea’s away form has been patchy. Worthy away points were gained at Manchester United and Tottenham, but defeats at Everton and Newcastle, outweigh the solitary victory against Norwich City. Following the defeat at Newcastle, Mourinho openly questioned the team’s mentality when playing away from home, and they need to heed those words, as a trip to West Ham is never an easy fixture for The Blues, who lost last season’s corresponding fixture having led at half-time.

History

The recent history of this fixture does however favour the visitors. Prior to last season’s defeat, Chelsea had won five and drawn one of their previous six league visits to the east end, with Frank Lampard scoring three times in those games. Lampard will again expect a hostile reception from the home faithful.

Team News

West Ham are likely to line up in a 4-5-1 formation with Ravel Morrison likely to play off lone striker Carlton Cole., with either, or both of Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis providing the width. Chelsea’s line-up is rather less predictable. With players returning from International duty, and an important Champions League tie at Basel next week, Mourinho is likely to once again shuffle the pack. Cech, Ivanovic and Terry have been regulars at the back, while Ramires is again likely to feature in the double-pivot. Ahead of that, Mourinho may choose to rest Oscar and Willian following long trips, and may use Andre Schurrle, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata in the three behind the central striker. Fernando Torres is fit again, and will compete with the in form Samuel Eto’o for a starting berth up front.

Prediction

A tough one to call, but if Chelsea’s players have taken heed of Mourinho’s words after Newcastle, then I would expect The Blues to be too strong for the hosts and record a narrow, hard-fought victory.

West Ham 1 Chelsea 2

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