West Ham United vs. Chelsea: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups, Live Stream, TV Info
Chelsea may have lifted the first piece of silverware on offer this season at the weekend, but there has been little time to celebrate after their Capital One Cup final success against Tottenham Hotspur.
Jose Mourinho takes his team to Upton Park on Wednesday for another London derby, this time against a West Ham United side capable of putting a considerable dent in Chelsea's title bid.
The Hammers have been inconsistent of late, with shock defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace undoing the good work from the first part of the campaign.
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Sam Allardyce's side have been threatening to make a strong bid for a European qualification, but recent results have worked against them.
That said, West Ham's performances against Manchester United and Spurs should have seen them claim wins, instead the respective 1-1 and 2-2 draws.
With the likes of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia in attack, they're a big threat, and beneath the Upton Park lights, we can expect them to give Chelsea a game.
If Chelsea are serious about adding the Premier League to their list of this season, it's games such as this that they should be winning, though.
They have the talent, and after Sunday's success, they need to show they now have the mettle to go all the way in the league.
When these teams last faced each other on Boxing Day, Chelsea came away comfortable 2-0 winners. Another result like that and it will set down a considerable marker to Manchester City that Chelsea are going to be difficult to catch in the title race.
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 7.45 p.m. GMT/2.45 p.m. ET
Venue: Upton Park, London
TV Info: NBCSN (U.S. only)
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. only)
Last 5 Games
| February 8 | West Ham United 1-1 Manchester United |
| February 11 | Southampton 0-0 West Ham United |
| February 14 | West Bromwich Albion 4-0 West Ham United |
| February 22 | Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 West Ham United |
| February 28 | West Ham United 1-3 Crystal Palace |
| February 7 | Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea |
| February 11 | Chelsea 1-0 Everton |
| February 17 | Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Chelsea |
| February 21 | Chelsea 1-1 Burnley |
| March 1 | Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur |
Predicted Formations
Jose Mourinho confirmed in his pre-match press conference that John Obi Mikel is expected to be out for around a month, so he will miss the trip to West Ham. As will Nemanja Matic, who serves the last game of his two-match suspension for violent conduct.
As for West Ham, Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll are the only players sidelined.
Given their exploits on Sunday, we can expect Mourinho to tweak his side slightly, with Juan Cuadrado potentially drafted in ahead of Willian, while Oscar will hope to get his place back in the front-three attacking midfielders.
Kurt Zouma was excellent in defensive midfield, covering for Matic at Wembley. With Mikel also injured, we can expect Mourinho to stick with Zouma as a temporary midfielder.
After Saturday's shock 3-1 home loss to Palace, Allardyce will want to avoid another defeat, so will West Ham opt for a more defensive approach against Chelsea?
Players to Watch
Enner Valencia (West Ham)
The Ecuador international has been one of the success stories for West Ham United this season.
He only joined the club last summer but has made a significant impact, scoring five goals and adding an extra dimension to the Hammers' attack.
With his speed, West Ham can suddenly hit opposition teams on the break and at pace, which has served them well for much of the season.
He's a good outlet and his partnership with Sakho is one major asset.
Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)
He's been grabbing headlines since the turn of the year after some promising displays. His performance against Spurs in the Capital One Cup final, though, has sent Zouma's reputation into the stratosphere.
Mourinho has compared him to Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly, a player who was a big figure in west London for the six years he spent with the club.
The manager said on Tuesday that he wouldn't confirm if Zouma would start in midfield or not against West Ham, yet it's difficult to look beyond him right now.
He'll be a big figure at Upton Park.
Key Battle: Carl Jenkinson vs. Eden Hazard
Every defender who comes up against Eden Hazard has a big challenge on their hands, and it'll be the same for Carl Jenkinson on Wednesday.
The West Ham right-back is currently on loan from Arsenal and has done his reputation no harm with some of his performances at Upton Park this term.
Hazard did get the better of him when Chelsea faced West Ham on Boxing Day, however, and if history repeats itself, it's where Wednesday's encounter could be won or lost.
So much of what Chelsea do goes through Hazard. It'll be the same at Upton Park and Jenkinson must ensure he's ready for the challenge.
Prediction
West Ham United 0-2 Chelsea
Odds
Home win: 21/4
Away win: 13/20
Draw: 3/1
First goalscorer: John Terry (25/1)
*Odds via Oddschecker
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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