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May, 2003. The last time West Ham United were victorious
over Chelsea.
However, given Chelsea's current form, perhaps this is the right
time for West Ham to pick up that elusive win.
The Blues ended a win-less streak against Portsmouth on
Wednesday night thanks to a late Frank Lampard penalty.
Carlo Ancelotti will have been pleased with the amount of
chances the Blues created despite passing up far too many
opportunities for his liking.
But what the Italian doesn't want, or need, is a poor run of
form in the lead-up to the Champions League showdown with Inter
Milan.
Ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho would love to be able to swan into
town at a time when his old side are once more harking back to the
days when he was leading them.
Keeping the Italian-Chelsea connection is Chelsea favorite and
current West Ham manager Zola, whose worry at the moment is
fighting relegation.
Though in saying that, the Hammers have proven to be able
opponents against London rivals thus far this season; many will
remember Arsenal throwing away a two-goal lead in the East End not
too long ago.
This could be one of those encounters that has the punters
wavering over at the bookies. A result for the favorites should
certainly not be odds on for this one.
FORM GUIDE
West Ham United
Dec 12: Birmingham 1-0 West Ham United
Dec 15: Bolton 3-1 West Ham United
Dec 05: West Ham 0-4 Manchester United
Nov 28: West Ham 5-3 Burnley
Nov 21: Hull City 3-3 West Ham
Chelsea
Dec 16: Chelsea 2-1 Portsmouth
Dec 12: Chelsea 3-3 Everton
Dec 08: Chelsea 2-2 APOEL
Dec 05: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea
Dec 02: Blackburn Rovers 3-3 Chelsea
TEAM NEWS
West Ham United
West Ham have defender Matthew Upson and striker Luis Jimenez
back injury, but Kieron Dyer (hamstring) joins Carlton Cole, Valon
Behrami, Zavon Hines (all knee) on the sidelines.
West Ham United (probable, 4-4-2): Green; Spector, Da Costa,
Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Parker, Kovac, Stanislas, Franco,
Diamanti.
Chelsea
Didier Drogba returns after missing the win over Portsmouth, and
Ricardo Carvalho is expected to replace Alex in defence, with Joe
Cole coming in for Deco.
Chelsea (probable, 4-1-2-1-2): Cech; Ivanovich, Carvalho,
Terry, A Cole, Mikel, Deco, Lampard, J Cole, Anelka,
Drogba
PLAYERS TO WATCH
West Ham United – Matthew Upson
The central defender returns from injury, and much of the focus
will be on him after reports on Friday suggested London rivals
Tottenham Hotspur are set to test West Ham's resolve with an £8
million bid. A stunning performance at the back against Chelsea may
just push him closer to the exit door.
Chelsea – Frank Lampard
The England midfielder may have been on the scoresheet on
Wednesday after converting the late penalty, but Lamps was the main
villain as far as passing up chances go. A man of his pride won't
take a second game of missing chance after chance though, and at a
ground where he isn't exactly a fans favorite, he'll be doubly
determined to ensure he puts one away.
PREDICTION
Chelsea aren't exactly the Premier League's form side just now,
but compared to West Ham they're flying. It's a sticky fixture for
them and one many will be looking for them to slip up in again, but
with players coming back they should have enough to pull through
and further their title ambitions.
Prediction: West Ham United 0-1
Chelsea