Rant Box: Chelsea v West Ham

By: Jack | April 24th, 2009

Man, is it just me or has any kind of buzz revolving tomorrow’s match against West Ham — or any other Premier League match this season — been extinguished after Wednesday’s drab, goalless draw with Everton? I didn’t think it was just me.

So we’re pretty much out of the race for a Prem title, and a possible treble. Yeah, it sucks but it could be another one of those blessings in disguise. What this will do is allow Chelsea to focus on the Champions League, specifically the juggernaut that is Barcelona. But that’s a discussion for another day — next week I’d say.

West Ham, meanwhile, are quietly putting together a solid campaign. The Hammers, behind Zola and Clarke, have put themselves in position for a UEFA Cup Europa League (gaaaaay) place. Though there’s no place for former Blues Carlton Cole and Scott Park — due to injury — West Ham do have a fairly talented front duo in David Di Michele and Diego Tristan.

As for Chelsea, this fixture gives us the chance to rest some key pieces for the aforementioned trip to Barcelona next week. I’d guess we’ll see Essien, Malouda, even Drogba out of the side. I wouldn’t think Lampard would miss out, especially considering his recent rant — which will be discussed later. We can only hope bit players like Quaresma, Stoch and Di Santo will see significant minutes.

The main issue will be a left-back and whether Hiddink will opt to unveil his option for Barcelona, seeing as Cashley is suspended for the CL clash. Could it be Mancienne? Belletti? Who knows.

Prediction
This is, after all, a London Derby, one featuring a host of ties to Chelsea. I’d expect a focused run-out from our boys following the letdown midweek. 2-0 to the Blues.

	EPL Match Schedule			Discount Travel to London & Chelsea
	Chelsea Scores			Stamford Bridge information & hotels

Category: Chelsea Team News, Fixtures, Match Previews, Premiership, Rant Box

Tags: Ashley Cole, Chelsea Team News, Fixtures, Frank Lampard, Match Previews, Michael Mancienne, Premiership, Rant Box, Steve Clarke, West Ham, Zola

« Rant Box: Chelsea v Everton | Home | CL Buildup: 2005. A classic. »

Subscribe   The Offside RSS Feeds

Print

Share

Comments  

• Michael B. |  April 25th, 2009 at 6:30 am

  
  
  

  Chelsea are looking quite strong today. Believe we are winning in possession at the moment? (20m) Nothing like starting the day right away with a live chelsea match

  Posted from United States

  

• ToffaE |  April 25th, 2009 at 7:53 am

  
  
  

  Who played at left back?

  Posted from United States

  

• Jack |  April 25th, 2009 at 8:25 am

  
  
  

  Bosingwa, surprisingly.

  Posted from United States

  

• areallaticfromthesouth |  April 25th, 2009 at 8:50 am

  
  
  

  Jack I am like you. Apathetic towards today’s game however now I am having a beer (or a few) to celebrate a 1-0 win and a Petr Cech penalty save.

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• Jack |  April 25th, 2009 at 10:39 am

  
  
  

  Yeah, that penalty save is big. I think Cech getting through that challenge with Jo midweek was massive for his confidence.

  Posted from United States

  

• Hector |  April 25th, 2009 at 3:19 pm

  
  
  

  Barça only drew at Valencia – http://www.oleole.com/blogs/fcbnews/posts/valencia-2-barca-2

  Posted from United States

  

• Pete |  April 27th, 2009 at 11:59 am

  
  
  

  Can we get a Chelsea/Barca preview up this piece yo

  Posted from United States

  

• Dave |  April 27th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

  
  
  

  There’s no way in hell I’m sleeping tonight…

  Posted from United States

  

• Jack |  April 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm

  
  
  

  Chill out, people. Some of us have actual jobs that need tending.

  Posted from United States

  

Comments are closed