It was a tough week for the defending Premier League champions as they got knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup in a span of four days. Chelsea will hope to bounce back from the back-to-back losses when they host Slaven Bilic’s West Ham for their 30th league match of the campaign.
Guus Hiddink led Chelsea are unbeaten in the Premier League. They have won three and drawn three of their last six league games. However, the Hammers have a better form than the West Londoners. They have won four and drawn one of their last six Premier League fixtures.
In the first half of the 2015 – 16 season, West Ham defeated Mourinho’s Chelsea 2 – 1 at Upton Park. Nemanja Matic got himself sent off just before the half-time break and this time around the Blues will miss the service of their Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa. Costa was sent off by the referee in the 2 – 0 defeat at Goodison Park at the weekend. Chelsea’s top scorer will serve a three-match suspension after being charged with misconduct.
Guus Hiddink will have a selection headache ahead of their crucial encounter. The Dutchman is dismayed that the best goal scorer in his squad will not be available for the next few games.
“It’s a real pity,” said Hiddink. “It was great to see Diego play with such focus and score a couple of goals – and now we have a problem to solve for the next game.
“When he plays as he did today he is very dangerous. Last week, right or wrong, he was booed by the fans after recent events.
“Diego had a very good reaction to that. It made him think, and to decide, ‘Shall I go on?’ You saw how he performed in this match.
“I talked to him in training and to focus on the pitch and not to waste his energy.”
The match between these two teams will certainly have an impact on the top four race. West Ham are genuine contenders for the Champions League spot. Chelsea cannot afford to drop more points this season if they want to have any realistic chance of booking a berth in either of the European competitions.
West Ham are flying at the minute, and I don’t think Chelsea are the team to break their unbeaten run.
Recommended Tip:
West Ham To Win or Draw, Best Odds 2.22 @ Betfair