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Steve Clarke: This West Ham star will cause Chelsea problems
STEVE CLARKE believes West Ham striker Andy Carroll will cause Chelsea when they meet next week - as long as he is fit.
Steve Clarke backs Andy Carroll to cause Chelsea problems
Chelsea travel to the London Stadium on Monday (8pm) on an unbeaten run of nine games across all competitions.
But former Chelsea and West Ham coach Clarke reckons that could come to an end should Carroll be deemed fit to face the Premier League leaders.
The England striker has been out of action for West Ham's last two games with a groin injury but has returned to first-team training this week.
Steve Clarke worked with Andy Carroll at Liverpool
Clarke worked with Carroll for the 2011/12 campaign during his time as Liverpool assistant manager.
"I've worked with Andy Carroll and I know that if he's fit and on his game, he can be virtually unplayable at times," he told Sky Sports.
"So West Ham will be hoping that he is fit and they can get him on the pitch to ruffle a few feathers at the back for Chelsea.
"Chelsea defenders maybe have had an easy time this season because the people in front of them have done so well.
"And it'll be interesting to see if that can happen, but it's not just about one player.
"It's not just about West Ham getting the ball to Andy Carroll and suddenly causing Chelsea a load of problems. They have to find other ways to cause them problems."