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Chelsea: Three things to look for in top four six pointer

By Travis Tyler

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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and Chelsea’s English midfielder Mason Mount vies with Chelsea’s English midfielder Ross Barkley West Ham United’s English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Chelsea at The London Stadium, in east London on July 1, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
and Chelsea’s English midfielder Mason Mount vies with Chelsea’s English midfielder Ross Barkley West Ham United’s English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Chelsea at The London Stadium, in east London on July 1, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. How weak is a weakened West Ham?

West Ham has been amazing this season, but there have been concerns in recent weeks. Injuries and suspensions have piled up and while they are still keeping pace, they are hanging on by their nails. West Ham hasn’t kept a clean sheet since Leeds United on 8 March and they have let in 10 goals in their last four matches. At the same time, they have also scored 11 goals so they will give as good as they get.

There biggest misses will be Declan Rice, Michail Antonio, and Craig Dawson. Rice has been the defensive lynchpin in their midfield allowing the Hammers to not only transition quickly between phases, but also to do so safely or aggressively. Antonio hasn’t been their main goal scoring force, but his influence in their attack has been massive this season. Dawson being out will also add to their pressure at the back.

light. Related Story. Chelsea: How to solve for a lack of size and grit hitting the Blues

Even being weaker, however, West Ham seems to be thriving with their backs against the wall. The injuries are only going exacerbate that feeling. Up against a “super club”, half limp, and needing a win? That is going to make West Ham very dangerous to Chelsea even in a weakened state.

All that being said, West Ham has been struggling as of late and they haven’t come across a side in Tuchel’s Chelsea’s form. They will make the Blues earn it, but this is still doable for Chelsea if they play to their levels of the recent months.

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