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Chelsea vs West Ham: The THREE areas Blues must exploit in Premier League clash
CHELSEA host West Ham in the Premier League on Monday evening - and Express Sport reveals how the Blues can top the Hammers.
Chelsea vs West Ham: Premier League match preview
Hazard v West Ham’s right flank
Chelsea’s mercurial Belgian was back to his best in the 3-0 win over Brighton last week, scoring his 17th goal of the season and causing huge problems for Chris Hughton’s side.
How veteran Ryan Fredericks on the right for the Hammers, and Declan Rice and Mark Noble both cope as defensive midfielders when the Belgian drops deep and makes his runs will be key to tonight’s game.
Hazard has contributed to 25 goals in the league for Chelsea this season.
Hudson-Odoi v West Ham’s left flank
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri kept faith with both his home grown youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek after the win over Brighton.
So teenager Hudson gets his second successive start in the Premier League.
How Aaron Cresswell deals with the skilful winger will be another factor.
But equally important will be how the Chelsea starlet deals defensively with Cresswell if the Hammers fullback can get forward.
Higuain v Angelo Ogbonna
Chelsea’s Argentine hit man has scored only three goals since joining on loan from Juventus in January, and the last of those was three games ago.
He has complained that the physicality of the Premier League is taking time to get used to.
The striker has though insisted he wants to stay at Chelsea when the season ends.
How Ogbonna and Fabian Balbuena deal with Higuain will also be a key factor in whether Manuel Pellegrini’s team can upset their London rivals.