After a convincing victory over Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United, Chelsea have turned their attention to the forthcoming EFL Cup fixture against West Ham United.
The Blues will be looking to expand on the result which saw their former manager receive his heaviest defeat in the Premier League on the Portuguese’s first game against Chelsea since his move to Manchester in the summer as they travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Wednesday night in the Fifth round of the newly branded EFL Cup.
Having already lost to The Blues on the opening day of the season, Slaven Bilic will be hoping that his players have learnt from their mistakes and build on their victory at the weekend, which saw the Hammers snatch all three points in the dying embers of the game, against a struggling Sunderland side who currently sit rock bottom of the league table, 5 points adrift from safety. Although West Ham have only won 3 of their opening 9 fixtures in the league, all stats go out the window as both sides will look to get the upper hand on the other and progress into the latter stages of the competition.
Match Details
Wednesday 26th October 2016, London Stadium, K.O: 7:45 (BST)
One To Watch
Dimitri Payet – Having been shortlisted for footballs most prestigious individual award this week the Ballon D’or, the French international has been the one positive of West Ham horrendous start to this seasons Premier League – having already lost 5 of their opening 9 fixtures – with his ability to create a chance out of nothing, which includes a sensational individual effort against Hull City that prevented the Tigers from taking all 3 points away from the London Stadium.
If the Midfielder was to start against Chelsea, the Blues will need to be on constant look out and cut out all supply to the 29-year-old.
Team News
Branislav Ivanovic has returned to training this week but will not feature against West Ham as he looks to regain match fitness after a short term injury, Terry might play from the start and Conte may consider using academy graduates in his team.
Predicted XI
Begovic; Aina, Cahill, Terry, Alonso; Chalobah; Willian, Fabregas, Oscar, Moses; Batshuayi.
Score Prediction
West Ham United 0-2 Chelsea
