Chelsea will be hoping the collective hangover from their Capital One Cup win on the weekend won’t hinder them as they travel to face London rivals West Ham United at Upton Park on Wednesday. José Mourinho’s side got their hands on their first silverware of the season after defeating Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, though will have to turn their attention back to the league quickly if they want to keep Manchester City at bay. Heading into this midweek round, the Blues are five points clear of City -- albeit with a game in hand. It’s a healthy margin, but not yet an unassailable one.
West Ham vs. Chelsea 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Chelsea should extend their lead atop the Premier League table with a win over an off-colour West Ham.
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West Ham will be looking to throw a spanner in the works, and they’re certainly capable of doing so. Sam Allardyce’s side are enjoying a fine season, and are riding high in the Premier League’s top half -- no mean feat for a team that looked like a genuine relegation contender throughout much of last season. However, the bad news for the Hammers is that they head into this most difficult of fixtures in their worst form of the season. They’ve not won in six in all competitions, and only the brave would bet against that record being extended on Wednesday.
Key player - Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Diego Costa has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, scoring a highly impressive 17 goals in 20 league appearances since arriving from Atlético Madrid in the summer. If he’s given a sniff of goal, the ball usually ends up in the back of the net. Good luck keeping him quiet, West Ham.
Key matchup - Eden Hazard vs. Carl Jenkinson
Unfortunately for the Hammers, Chelsea have world class options across their attack. On his day, winger Eden Hazard is nigh-on unstoppable, with pace and outstanding close control enabling him to dance past defenders with embarrassing ease. He'll be up against Arsenal's loanee youngster Carl Jenkinson in this match, and one fears it could be a rather one-sided encounter.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Andy Carroll (knee), Carlton Cole (muscle), Morgan Amalfitano (suspended). In doubt: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: John Obi Mikel (knee), Nemanja Matić (suspended). In doubt: None.
West Ham will be without three attackers, though with Andy Carroll spending more time on the treatment table than off it these days, only suspended Morgan Amalfitano will come as a blow. Chelsea, meanwhile, are still without their suspended midfield anchorman Nemanja Matić, while rotational midfielder John Obi Mikel is out injured.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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