On Sky
In the final of four festive fixtures, Chelsea make the relatively short trip, across London, to face West Ham United for the first time this season.
Vital Quotes:
After previously singing the praises of Joe Cole, Jose Mourinho surprisingly turned on his ace after the victory over Birmingham City and issued a warning:
‘I have just told him that if he plays one more match like that he is out. One more match for himself and the public and not for the team, then he is out. I have sent him away for four days holiday becuase he is suspended for the game on Monday (against West Ham) … but one more like that and he is out’
Harsh words indeed for a player that has been the best of a magnificent bunch over recent weeks. Fortunately, Joe will be acutely aware that Mourinho is the master of man management and that it is surely just a case of ensuring Joe keeps his feet on the ground as Chelsea close in on a second successive Premiership title, or is it?
West Ham United Team News:
West Ham, despite starting the season promisingly, have lost five of their last seven games. A reverse at Charlton on Saturday being the latest of these. Alan Pardew started that fixture without Teddy Sheringham, Danny Gabbidon, Tomas Repka, Bobby Zamora and Yossi Benayoun, thereby highlighting the fact that his squad probably requires strengthening once the transfer window is opened. Whether any of the above starts remains unclear but all apart from Yossi Benayoun remain doubtful.
However, fixtures against Chelsea are inevitably close encounters and West Ham will no doubt raise their game against the Premiership champions.
Player to watch: Etherington
Since signing for West Ham he has come on leaps and bounds. He has the pace to trouble any defence in the Premiership and Chelsea will need to be aware of the threat he presents. If he has one fault it’s probably that he doesn’t score enough goals, however he still remains an inspirational figure for West Ham.
Chelsea Team News:
With Joe Cole away on a four day sojourn thinking about the implications of Mourinho’s blast and courtesy of five yellow cards, Mourinho will be forced to make at least one change to the eleven that started against Birmingham City. However, looking at Mourinho’s slections for the other festive fixtures, there seems every chance that he’ll make several changes.
With Carlo Cudicini desperate for first team action, and Mourinho keen to give him more than the occasional cup tie, Upton Park could see the likeable Italian make another rare Premiership appearance.
In defence, it would seem likely that Asier Del Horno will return after being rested for the Birmingham fixture. His inclusion would probably see Paulo Ferreira rested with William Gallas switching to left back. John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho are likely to occupy the central defensive positions.
In midfield, Michael Essien, on the verge of serving a suspension, should partner Frank Lampard with Claude Makelele returning to his favoured holding role.
Up front, expect Didier Drogba to start, despite Hernan Crespo’s impressive display against Birmingham, as Mourinho continues to rotate his main striker. On the flanks, Arjen Robben is likely to be partnered by the returning Damien Duff with Joe Cole out suspended.
Player to watch: Arjen Robben
In the two previous games we’ve selected Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele as the one’s too watch. Unfortunately, both failed to start in the respective fixtures. Lampard pulled out of the Manchester City clash at the last moment with a virus whilst Makelele was rested after playing a full part in the first two fixtures of the festive period. Hopefully, our selection of Robben will not give us a unique hat-trick.
Since returning from injury Arjen has slowly, but surely, slipped back into the kind of form that terrorised Premiership defences last season. His slight of foot reminds us of the legendary Gianfranco Zola whilst his speed is just frightening.
The Dutchman has also rediscovered his eye for goal and has netted two very similiar goals in recent games against Arsenal and Birmingham. In a game that promises to be very tight, the Dutchman could produce that moment of magic that may tilt the result in Chelsea’s favour.
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea travel to West Ham on the back of a great run of eight consecutive Premiership wins. On the other hand West Ham have a miserable record of only two wins in their last seven Premiership games. With West Ham only recently having joined the elite in the Premiership, courtesy of a play-off triumph, recent history between the two clubs is scarce. However, many Chelsea supporters have bad memories of how a Paulo Di Canio inspired Hammers used to beat us. Thankfully, the Italian is now a distant memory, unless Harry Redknapp sees fit to sign him at beleaguered Portsmouth.
Match Prediction:
In a derby that has strong emotional ties with both Frank Lampard and John Terry coming from the region, expect Chelsea to establish a foothold in the game and emerge victorious depsite the ludicrous start time of 12:45. A start time that once again favours television rather than the true football fan.
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea entertain Huddersfield Town in the 3rd round of the FA Cup on Saturday 7th January 2006