West Ham have found the Premier League season a little more difficult than anticipated so far, currently down in 16th heading into round 12. Only goal difference keeps them out of the bottom three. Unfortunately life for the Hammers doesn’t get any easier this weekend, as they welcome fourth-place Chelsea to Upton Park.
West Ham United vs. Chelsea: Preview and TV schedule
With West Ham struggling near the bottom of the table, Chelsea should be able to pick up a win in Saturday’s teatime fixture.
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However, there are some straws for West Ham to clutch. Chelsea haven’t been perfect this season, and have only won once away in the Premier League since José Mourinho’s return. If the Hammers can use the crowd to their advantage, they may well take something from the match.
Unfortunately they'll have to do without a string of regular faces, while Alou Diarra and Răzvan Raț will likely be sidelined too. Chelsea's only definite absentee is youngster Marco van Ginkel, while Cesar Azpilicueta may have to fill in at left-back for Ashley Cole, who's battling a rib injury.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Joey O'Brien (hamstring), Winston Reid (ankle), Ricardo Vaz Tê (shoulder), Mladen Petrić (calf), Matthew Taylor (calf), Andy Carroll (foot). In doubt: Alou Diarra (knee), Răzvan Raț (hamstring).
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee). In doubt: Ashley Cole (rib)
Projected lineups
West Ham United: Jussi Jääskeläinen; George McCartney, James Collins, James Tomkins, Guy Demel; Jack Collison, Mark Noble; Mohamed Diamé, Ravel Morrison, Stewart Downing; Kevin Nolan.
Chelsea: Petr Čech; Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanović; Ramires, Frank Lampard; Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata; Fernando Torres.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBC, DirecTV (U.S.), RDS 2, TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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