[fasteddy]

West Ham vs Chelsea

You'd think that at some point Chelsea will slip up and lose one: seems only natural for them to have an off day , and most probably against a lower level side , due to the focus not being 100%, but they are managing to avoid this scenario time after time.
They had a slight scare against Fulham of all teams...conceded 2 , but scored 3...so no worries. Back on track with a tight, if unspectacular , 1-0 over Man City followed by a cosy 2-0 over Birmingham.

West Ham will provide an opportunity for them to get into a more attacking battle, with Alan Pardew's players not ones to shrink from a challenge or an opening to score, so we should see an open game with chances galore.

West Ham:
West Ham could have defenders Danny Gabbidon and Tomas Repka back from injury. However, striker Bobby Zamora (hamstring) is a doubt, while veteran Teddy Sheringham (calf) is still not fully recovered. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun, fit again following a groin problem, came off the bench in Saturday's defeat at Charlton, and may be in contention to start.

Having the defensive duo back helps a lot, but that's offset by the possible absence of Zamora. As a team that can always be relied upon to get on the scoresheet, the lack of a goal in the last 180 mins of play is a bit worrying. It's likely that the festive period has taken a toll on the squad and we are seeing a 'catch up' effect on everyone. The Hammers don't have the luxury of strength in depth as Chelsea do, so they may see another 90mins without success again.

Chelsea:
Chelsea will be without suspended England midfielder Joe Cole. Damien Duff, left out of the squad for the win over Birmingham, will replace him with Didier Drogba given the striking role ahead of Hernan Crespo as coach Jose Mourinho continues to rotate his strikers over the holiday programme. Claude Makelele, who started the Birmingham game as a substitute, will return the midfield anchorman role with Eidur Gudjohnsen or Michael Essien stepping down to accommodate him.

Makelele back in the midfield, Duff getting a shot again and Drogba up front: I like this set up...it scores goals and creates chances...lots of them.
For me, Drogba works better off Duff as opposed to Cole: maybe not in actual goals, but I see the movement as better.
Lampard is happiest with Claude beside him as well , so overall this is one of the strongest formations... in my book.

Solid win by the Blues...West Ham to try hard, maybe even hold out till the latter stages of the match, but they shouldn't get anything from this match.

Chelsea -1 @ 1.73