By Conor Hogan
**West Ham play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side looks to continue their winning run.**
The Hammers have had a very positive couple of weeks, defeating Spurs and Sunderland to earn six points and close the gap between themselves and safety.
Although Nottingham Forest’s win over Brentford left five points between the Irons and 17th place, Nuno’s team have some momentum for the first time since early November.
West Ham have really improved their performances recently and deserved their victories against Spurs and Sunderland. However, Chelsea pose a greater challenge to the Irons.
The Blues currently sit 5th in the Premier League and have lost only two of their last nine league games. They are also unbeaten in all competitions under new boss Liam Rosenior – son of former Hammer Leroy.
The Hammers were humiliated when the sides met earlier in the season. Chelsea beat Graham Potter’s side 5-1 at London Stadium – one of Potter’s final games as Irons boss. Nuno is yet to face the Blues as West Ham manager.
West Ham are expected to have a fully fit squad for the game – if you can even call what we have a “squad”, as so many players have departed this month. Since last weekend’s game, Lucas Paquetá, James Ward-Prowse and Guido Rodríguez have all departed London Stadium.
Adama Traoré signed for West Ham this week and could make his debut – expect the Spanish winger to come off the bench in the second half against one of the few Premier League sides he has never registered a goal or assist against.
Chelsea beat Napoli 3-2 away in their final Champions League group game on Wednesday. João Pedro scored a brace and has been in impressive form in recent weeks. He has also netted in the Blues’ last two league games against Crystal Palace and Brentford.
New Hammers signings Taty Castellanos and Pablo are also looking for their first league goals for the Irons. The pair have impressed since arriving this month, but are yet to open their account in England’s top-flight.
Expect Nuno to name a largely unchanged side from the one that beat Sunderland last Saturday. El Hadji Malick Diouf may replace Ollie Scarles at left-back following his AFCON triumph, but the rest of the Hammers side are expected to keep their place.
Saturday will be a tough test for Nuno’s side, but even a point against Rosenior’s Blues would be hugely valuable in their fight for survival. Hopefully the Irons will be able to replicate their recent performances and move closer to safety this weekend.
Kick off at Stamford Bridge is at 5.30pm. COYI!