Chelsea vs. West Ham United: 3 Key Battles That Will Decide The Game

Chelsea hosts a London derby against their closest rivals from the table and it isn’t Arsenal or Tottenham, they face the surprise package of the season West Ham United. The Hammers sit in 4^th place and have certainly caught the eye of a lot of people with their bold attacking style of play which is not something Sam Allardyce is known for.

West Ham are looking to qualify for the Champions League but they face a stern test when they on the league leaders who have seen their lead over Manchester City slashed to just 3 points, Chelsea know that City will be hopeful of a slip up by the league leaders and will go all out for the win at home.

Keeping in mind that 1^st plays 4^th in the league, some match ups will be key in deciding who gains the upper hand in the game and here are the 3 key battles which can decide the outcome of the game.

1. Diego Costa vs. James Tomkins

Although the English defender is a doubt for the game, he should be fit enough to play against the top goal scorer in the league, Diego Costa. Costa has been absolutely brilliant this season for Chelsea with his movement and his finishing; he does have a nasty streak about him which makes him a completely different beast to deal with for defenders.

Tomkins has had an exceptional season for West Ham and has been one of the reasons why the Hammers are so high up in the table. He and Costa going head to head will be something to keep an eye on.

2. Gary Cahill vs. Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll came out on top in the last game as he scored to give West Ham the perfect start, he will be looking to give a torrid time to Gary Cahill and John Terry. Carroll is not as big a goal threat but more of a threat in the air, knocking the balls and winning headers to set up chances for his other team mates.

Carroll will have a tough task as Terry and Cahill are probably the best defenders in the league and the pair will be looking to shut out the West Ham attacker.

3. Nemanja Matic vs. Mark Noble

The battle of the midfield beasts, Matic and Noble have been the players who have helped their clubs tick along nicely in the league. They both have incredible engines and stamina for the game and love to get stuck into a challenge or two,

Matic has been a key player of the 2^nd Jose Mourinho era and has really made a difference in the midfield of Chelsea while Noble has had a resurgence of sorts and looks like a world beater in the claret and blue of West Ham, whoever wins this battle could ultimately help their team assert their dominance.