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After a week in which plans for a European Super League have dominated the headlines, the battle for the top four returns to centre stage this weekend as West Ham United host Chelsea on Saturday.
On the opening day of the season, arguably not even the most fervent Hammers fan would have predicted that qualification for the Champions league would be in their reach with six Premier League games left to play, but they go into Saturday’s contest at the London Stadium in just that position.
Last time out, their chances were hampered as they fell to a 3-2 defeat away to Newcastle United following a first half nightmare for central defensive partnership Issa Diop and Craig Dawson.
An own goal from Diop, 10 minutes before half time put the Magpies ahead whilst the East Londoners were also reduced to 10-men. Dawson picked up his second bookable offence in the run up to the goal, whereby with a man advantage Joelinton gave the home side a two-goal advantage at the break.
Meanwhile, a spirited second half performance saw David Moyes’ side get back on level terms with thanks to another goal from Diop, but at the right end and a penalty converted by Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard, 10 minutes from time.
Only for Arsenal loanee, Joe Willock to ruin the Irons’ response with the decisive goal and the Londoners to return home with nothing. But the visit of Chelsea gives them a chance to reclaim fourth spot from the Blues with a victory.
Elsewhere, Chelsea were held to a goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on in midweek which saw them miss the chance to go third in the table, but it was a point which snuck Thomas Tuchel’s side into the top four and above the Hammers on goal difference.
Players to watch
There is no disputing the fact that Jesse Lingard has been the signing of the January transfer window albeit on loan, but the 28-year old has been directly involved in 12 Premier League goals in his first 10 appearances (nine goals and three assists).
He has scored in each of his last five Premier League outings for the Hammers and with the pace to trouble the Chelsea defence, West Ham supporters will be hoping he can continue his rich vein of form into Saturday.
Meanwhile, Mason Mount has struck six times this season and having scored three times in his last five Premier League away games he is certainly the man pulling the strings with the Blues.
Team news
West Ham will be without Michail Antonio (Thigh injury), Declan Rice (Knee injury) and Craig Dawson (Suspended), but Aaron Cresswell could make a return as well as Arthur Masuaku.
The visitors will continue to be without Mateo Kovacic (Thigh injury), but there could be a return to the side for Thiago Silva. Apart from this, Tuchel will have the choice of a fully fit squad for a game which could decide the fate of the top four positions.
Head-to-head
Having met on 115 occasions in the past, it’s Chelsea who have the better record with 51 wins and 22 draws, whilst West Ham have been victorious on 42 previous occasions.
The sides last met on 21st December 2020 at Stamford Bridge, which Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners with a goal from Silva and a brace for Tammy Abraham giving the Blues all three points.
The Hammers loss at Newcastle was their fourth consecutive Premier League (PL) game to feature over 4.5 goals (W2, D1, L1), but are more secure at home having lost just once here in the Premier League all season (W9,D2).
Since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival, Chelsea have kept 15 clean sheets in 20 competitive games and are unbeaten in six away league games since he took charge in January (W4,D2).
Though, neither side have shown any real consistency in their last five Premier League fixtures, with the Irons picking up seven points from a possible 15 (W2,D1,L2) and Chelsea eight from 15 (W2,D2,L1).
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