Who would have thought Chelsea vs West Ham would have been the feature match of the EPL Boxing Day round? But here we are and the Hammers are heading to Stamford Bridge to wreck Chelsea’s Christmas festivities. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11.45pm AEDT
West Ham is fourth on the table and takes on top placed Chelsea. Incredibly West Ham have won four and drawn one in their last five games and must feel like they need to justify their lofty position on the ladder.
Meanwhile their recent record even shades Chelsea’s three wins one draw and one loss. I feel West Ham’s position is inflated due to a good home record and they will find it much harder away to the top team.
Chelsea will have earmarked this game out of their three Christmas fixtures to maximise full points as the next two games are away from home. Likewise West Ham returns home for more favourable fixtures against Arsenal and West Brom.
Sam Allardyce is backing his West Ham side to continue their fine form when they face London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal this week.
West Ham held Jose Mourinho’s side to a goalless draw when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge last season and Allardyce does not fear a trip to west London.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s a nice time to be playing Chelsea and Arsenal. Our draw away at Chelsea last season was our turning point, from then we kicked on and stayed up. So it was huge.
“They’re two tough games but we have earned the right to have a go at both them.”
Sam Allardyce has only two wins in 21 Premier League games as Manager against Chelsea. West Ham last won at Stamford Bridge in 2002 in the Premier League.
West Ham’s leading players are Stewart Downing who has hit a purple patch in midfield with four goals this year and they also have Sakho back from injury upfront and firing seven goals in this season.
Chelsea’s defence has been terrific. John Terry and Gary Cahill joined by attacking full backs Ivanovic and Azpilicueta keep numerous clean sheets.
Then moving forward Hazard, Fabregas and Diego Costa are a handful for any away side.
The betting has the Hammers at $9.00 and I feel they have got this right because Chelsea are primed and ready to assert their authority and go on and win the League like so many clubs before them who have been on top at Christmas.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham
Chelsea to set up 2015 and continue on their Merry Christmas way by piercing the West Ham bubble and blowing them away on Boxing Day .
Join The Roar Friday at 11.45pm for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Chelsea make a big statement to the rest of the league. I've watched a lot of Chelsea's games lately and todays performance was their best. It was a joy to watch. Sam Allardyce possibly felt West Ham couldn't win today and left Sakho on the bench and played Downing out of position. They played like rabbits in the headlights. Chelsea so many options were in complete control right through. Chelsea now head to a harder away fixture at Southhampton, whilst West Ham target a home game against Arsenal. Terry and Costa the goal scorers with Eden Hazard the man of match. Chelsea certainly setting the pace out the front of the league. Bye for now.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Chelsea 2 West Ham 0
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
85' Chelsea 2 West Ham 0 SUB CHELSEA Willan off Ramires on
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
80' Chelsea 2 West Ham 0 Game petering out as a contest. Can West Ham steal a consolation goal? SUB CHELSEA Costa off Drogba on Oscar off Mikel on
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
75' Chelsea 2 West Ham 0 SUB WEST HAM Amaltifano on Downing Off
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
70' Chelsea 2West Ham 0 Chelsea chance after chance. It's Oscar,Willian,Fabregas,Hazard and Fabregas. They are taking it in turns.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
65'Chelsea 2 West Ham 0 Costa spurns yet another chance for Chelsea. You would excuse them if they put the cue in the rack now.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
61'Chelsea 2 West Ham 0 GOAL Costa brilliant goal on his left
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
58'SUB West Ham Song and Sakho on Noble and Carroll off
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
55'Chelsea 1 West Ham 0 Chelsea continue on. A real statement being made here. Downing has been disappointing!
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
50' Chelsea 1 West Ham 0 No changes at half time West Ham need to show more ambition here. Cracking shot by Hazard saved.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
John Terry's goal separates the team on the scoreboard but a chasm separates them on the park. Chelsea have been immaculate. They are spoilt for options and West Ham will do well to stay in this.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
HALF TIME Chelsea 1 vs West Ham 0
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Chelsea 1 vs West Ham 0 41' Chelsea are just imply the better team. Numerous shots on goal
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
37'Chelsea 1vs West Ham 0 Terry has scored in consecutive games! Complete authority from Chelsea .West Ham right on back foot.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
30'Chelsea 1vs West Ham 0 GOAL Corner headed by Costa to feet of Terry. Scintillating start by Chelsea
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
27'Chelsea 0 vs West Ham 0 Chelsea right on top. You just feel it's a matter of time before they score. YELLOW CARD Collins West Ham brings down Costa Chances coming quickly now for Chelsea.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
20'Chelsea 0 vs West Ham 0 West Ham have at last ventured forward and earnt a corner. Gary Cahill has shot blocked. Chelsea creating more chances.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
15'Chelsea 0 vs West Ham 0 Chelsea biding their time.Fabregas controlling midfield with deep passing.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
9'Chelsea 0 vs West Ham 0 Cahill heads wide for Chelsea. A promising start here for Chelsea. They look on today and are searching for another early goal.