Sunday, March 17, 2013
Chelsea vs West Ham March 17, 2013
Eden Hazard admits Chelsea have no margin for error as the Blues try to remain in control of the race to qualify for the Champions League.
Rafael Benitez’s side, fourth in the Premier League, host London rivals West Ham on Sunday with victory essential to keep ahead of fifth placed Arsenal and in touch with third placed Tottenham.
By the time Chelsea kick off this weekend they could be only two points in front of Arsenal, if the Gunners win at Swansea on Saturday, and Belgian playmaker Hazard is aware the pressure will start to mount on his team if they slip up against the Hammers.
“Three points are a must for us on Sunday, we need to win the match,” Hazard said.
“Chelsea are a big club. We have to win titles and to qualify for the Champions League. There’s a lot to do but we’ll try to do it all.”
After months of abuse from Chelsea fans, interim boss Benitez is no closer to winning over the Stamford Bridge faithful judging by the empty seats and poisonous atmosphere that provided the backdrop for Thursday’s Europa League win over Steaua Bucharest.
Chelsea vs West Ham March 17, 2013
Chelsea
Subs from Turnbull, Hilário, Ferreira, Bertrand, Terry, Azpilicueta, Ake, Benayoun, Mikel, Moses, Marin, Torres
Doubtful Torres (nose)
Injured Romeu (knee, Aug)
Suspended None
Form guide WLWLDW
Disciplinary record Y40 R2
Leading scorer Ba 15 (13 for Newcastle)
West Ham
Subs from Spiegel, Tomkins, Pogatetz, McCartney, Diarra, C Cole, Vaz Tê, Maïga, Chamakh
Doubtful J Cole (hamstring), McCartney (knee)
Injured Nolan (toe, 23 Mar), Noble (arm, 23 Mar), Potts (concussion, unknown)
Suspended None
Form guide WLLWLL
Disciplinary record Y55 R1
Leading scorer Nolan 6
