WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background information ahead of Saturday's visit
to Stamford Bridge
12.03.2010
Chelsea v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Stamford Bridge
Saturday 13 March 2010
3pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Introduction
* West Ham United head to Chelsea keen to end a run of two consecutive
Barclays Premier League defeats, having lost at Manchester United (0-3) and
at home to Bolton Wanderers (1-2).
* The match will see Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola return to the club he
served as a player between 1996 and 2003. The 43-year-old has guided West
Ham to draws in each of their previous two matches with his former club.
* Midweek results saw West Ham slip from 14th to 16th in the Premier League
table. However, Zola's men have a game in-hand on Bolton and Burnley.
* Chelsea come into Saturday's game on the back of a 2-0 FA Cup sixth-round
win over Stoke City, but with one eye on Tuesday's UEFA Champions League
first knockout stage, second-leg tie with Jose Mourinho's Internazionale.
* In the Premier League, Chelsea sit second in the standings going into the
weekend, two points behind leaders Manchester United and ahead of Arsenal on
goal difference. However, the Blues have a game in-hand on both of their
title rivals.
* West Ham secured a 1-1 draw on their last visit to Stamford Bridge on 14
December 2008. Craig Bellamy had put the visitors ahead before Nicolas
Anelka levelled matters in the second half.
* In a Premier League first, a (NIKE)RED ball will be used in all top-flight
games over this weekend in England, Spain and Italy. The Nike and (RED)
partnership invites people to 'Lace Up. Save Lives' by purchasing a pair of
(NIKE)RED laces.
* One hundred per cent of the profits from (NIKE)RED laces is split equally
between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds
AIDS programmes that provide medicine, treatment and services for those
living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver
education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.
Travelling fans
* West Ham United are keen to ensure that the match passes off trouble-free
with no problems. Anti-social behaviour such as missile throwing and foul or
abusive language is strictly forbidden and could result in arrest and/or
ejection from the stadium. The club has the power to impose life bans on
anyone found responsible and will not hesitate to do so.
Last time out
Saturday 6 March
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-2 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United: Green, Faubert (Dyer 47), Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Behrami,
Kovac (Stanislas 75), Parker, Diamanti, Franco (Mido 67), Cole
Subs not used: Stech, Daprela, Da Costa, Ilan
Booked: Kovac, Diamanti
Goal: Diamanti 88
Sunday 7 March
FA Cup sixth round
Chelsea 2-0 Stoke City
Chelsea: Hilario, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Lampard, Mikel, Malouda,
Drogba, Kalou, Anelka
Subs not used: Turnbull, Van Aanholt, J.Cole, Deco, Matic, Sturridge, Kakuta
Booked: Terry
Goals: Lampard 35, Terry 67
Last meeting
The most recent meeting between West Ham and Chelsea took place on 20
December 2009, when Frank Lampard's thrice-taken penalty cancelled out
Alessandro Diamanti's own spot-kick.
The teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon (Tomkins 19), Upson, Ilunga, Parker, Kovac,
Noble, Faubert, Collison, Franco, Diamanti
Subs: Stech, Spector, Da Costa, Jimenez, Stanislas, Nouble
Goal: Diamanti 45 (pen)
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho ,Terry, A.Cole, Malouda (Mikel 45),
Lampard, J.Cole (Zhirkov 75), Ballack, Drogba, Kalou (Sturridge 45)
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Alex, Belletti
Goal: Lampard 61 (pen)
Head to head
Last six meetings: (Premier League unless stated)
20 December 2009 - West Ham United 1-1 Chelsea
25 April 2009 - West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
14 December 2008 - Chelsea 1-1 West Ham United
1 March 2008 - West Ham United 0-4 Chelsea
1 December 2007 - Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United
18 April 2007 - West Ham United 1-4 Chelsea
Overall record v Chelsea (all competitions) W 36 D 18 L 38
Next up
West Ham face a Premier League trip to Arsenal on Saturday 20 March, with
the live ESPN-televised game kicking off at 5.30pm. Chelsea host
Internazionale at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening in the UEFA Champions
League first knockout round, second leg, seeking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg
deficit.
Referee
* Saturday's referee will be Mark Clattenburg, who will be officiating on
his 35th birthday.
* Clattenburg was the man in the middle for the Championship play-off
semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the
visiting West Ham United. He has been on the Premier League list since 2004.
* Clattenburg was in charge when Tottenham Hotspur visited the Boleyn Ground
and won 2-1 on Sunday 23 August. He was also referee when the Hammers drew
3-3 with Hull City at the KC Stadium on 21 November and the 2-1 home FA Cup
third-round defeat by Arsenal on 3 January.
West Ham United
• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a Barclays Premier League high.
• West Ham have scored 36 goals this season in the league with 14 different
players on target. Carlton Cole leads the way (nine), with Alessandro
Diamanti (seven) and Guille Franco and Matthew Upson (three) next in line.
Jack Collison, Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas (two each), Ilan, Manuel da
Costa, the departed Luis Jimenez, Zavon Hines, Radoslav Kovac, Valon Behrami
and Julien Faubert have also registered. An own-goal from Everton's Tony
Hibbert completes the tally.
• Scott Parker has been cautioned nine times this season and Faubert,
Franco, Kovac and Noble five each. Cole and Collison are on four yellow
cards, but will not be suspended if they receive a fifth as the FA
disciplinary deadline has passed. Should any player reach ten cautions
before the second Sunday in April, they will receive a two-mach suspension.
• Only Robert Green has played in every league game for the club this
season. He is on a run of 115 successive league starts.
* West Ham's biggest league win at Stamford Bridge came on 29 March 1986,
when Tony Cottee scored twice and Alan Devonshire and Frank McAvennie once
each in a 4-0 victory.
* The Hammers scored a 10-3 win at Chelsea on 30 March 1940 in the War
League South C Division. Sam Small scored four times, Ted Fenton netted a
hat-trick, Alec George Foreman scored twice and Joseph Stanley Foxall was
also on target.
Chelsea
• Chelsea have won 12 of their 14 home Premier League matches this season,
losing just once - a 4-2 defeat by Manchester City last time out, courtesy
of two goals apiece from former Hammers Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy.
• Chelsea have scored 55 goals in the league this season - second only to
Arsenal's 58. Didier Drogba leads the way with 19, while Frank Lampard has
12, Nicolas Anelka six and Florent Malouda four. Michael Essien, Ashley Cole
(three), John Terry, Deco (two), Joe Cole and Branislav Ivanovic (one) have
also found the net.
• Drogba is second only to Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who has scored
23 times, in the Premier League goalscoring charts. Sunderland's Darren Bent
closed the gap between himself and Drogba to one with a hat-trick in the 4-0
win over Bolton on Tuesday.
• Only Terry has started all 28 of Chelsea's league matches this season.
Lampard and Cech have started 26 each.
* Chelsea's largest home league win over West Ham came in the shape of a 6-2
victory on 9 April 1966. The visitors' consolation strikes came from Peter
Bennett and a Ron Harris own-goal.
Team news
* Benni McCarthy has returned to full training in the week and is pushing
for a return to the first-team squad for the first time since injuring his
knee on his West Ham debut at Burnley on 6 February.
* Kieron Dyer could make his first start since doing so at Bolton Wanderers
on 15 December after playing for nearly a full half in last Saturday's 2-1
defeat by the Trotters and completing more than an hour in Monday's friendly
with MLS side San Jose Earthquakes. Fellow midfielders Jack Collison and
Junior Stanislas have also been training.
* Danny Gabbidon played for more than an hour against the Earthquakes and
could return to the matchday squad for the first time since injuring his
hamstring in the reverse fixture with Chelsea on 20 December. Manuel da
Costa starts a three-match ban after a red card in the reserves last month -
coincidentally a 2-1 win against Chelsea.
* Herita Ilunga is facing a race to be fit after being ruled out of the last
three matches with a tendon problem. Julien Faubert is also a doubt with a
muscle injury.
* Frank Nouble has returned from his loan spell at Coca-Cola Championship
side West Bromwich Albion. The striker made three appearances during his
stay at The Hawthorns.
* Mark Noble is definitely out of Saturday's game after suffering an arm
injury at Manchester United on 27 February.
* Long-term absentees Zavon Hines and Luis Boa Morte (both knee) are both
unavailable.
* Two players are out on loan - Freddie Sears at Championship Coventry City
and Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson at Belgian side KSV Roeselare.
* For Chelsea, defender Ricardo Carvalho (thigh) and midfielders Deco and
Michael Essien (both knee) are major doubts for Saturday's game.
* Goalkeeper Petr Cech (calf), left-back Ashley Cole (ankle) and full-backs
Juliano Belletti and Jose Bosingwa (both knee) are all definitely ruled out.
Old boys
* West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola made 323 appearances for Chelsea between
November 1996 and May 2003, scoring 80 goals.
* First-team coach Steve Clarke made 418 appearances for Chelsea between
January 1987 and February 1998, scoring ten goals. The Scot went on to
become the club's Academy coach, first-team coach and assistant manager
under Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari.
* Scott Parker made 28 appearances for Chelsea between January 2004 and May
2005, scoring once.
* Carlton Cole began his career at Chelsea, making 31 appearances between
August 2001 and May 2006, and scoring eight times.
* Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Joe Cole could both be facing the club where
they began their professional careers. The former made 187 league and cup
appearances, scoring 38 goals, before heading west in June 2001. Cole got
149 games under his belt in all competitions, scoring 13 goals, before his
switch in August 2003. Blues captain John Terry also spent time at West Ham
as a schoolboy.
General information
* All standard tickets for Saturday's game have SOLD OUT.
* Supporters travelling to Stamford Bridge should alight at Fulham Broadway
on the London Underground District line.
* Extensive engineering work is being carried out on the London Underground
this Saturday. The District line will be suspended between Earl's Court and
Whitechapel. The Circle line and Jubilee line are both completely suspended,
with buses replacing trains. The Metropolitan line will be closed between
Harrow-on-the-Hill and Aldgate, with a replacement bus service in operation.
The Waterloo and City line will be closed. For further information, click
here.
* Overground services on both the c2c and National Express East Anglia
networks will run to a normal Saturday timetable.
* Saturday's weather forecast is for sunny intervals with a maximum daytime
temperature of 9C.
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Mido's Drogba warning
WHUFC.com
Mido knows former Olympique de Marseille team-mate Didier Drogba will have
to be watched on Saturday
12.03.2010
If anyone knows just how closely West Ham United will have to watch Chelsea
striker Didier Drogba this Saturday, it is Mido. The Egyptian spent a single
season partnering the Ivory Coast hitman - named African Footballer of the
Year for the second time on Friday - at French club Olympique de Marseille
in 2003/04. Together, the pair scored 26 of Marseille's 51 league goals as
l'OM finished seventh in the Ligue 1 table, but tempered that disappointment
by reaching the UEFA Cup final before losing out to Valencia. Seven seasons
on, Drogba has gone on to great things at Stamford Bridge, winning two
Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups and becoming a vital
part of the Blues' starting lineup - and Mido has not been surprised by the
32-year-old's achievements. "At Marseille, we were playing together. It was
great. He is a big player. That was the season he exploded, let's say. He
was ridiculously good back at Marseille. He was different class. He scored a
lot of goals. He was a strong player and I enjoyed playing with him. His
physical presence frightens people. "He creates chances for himself by
moving a lot. At the end he is just a great finisher and that is just the
difference between strikers and another. How you score goals. He is just a
great finish. If he gets a chance, he knows how to strike it and he has a
special way of hitting the ball and I am very happy for him. He has done
great for himself and his family. He is brilliant. I still talk to him."
While Mido has established himself as a top player in his own right, he was
not afraid to highlight the strengths of his former strike partner.
"Sometimes you do things and think I can do better because he does a lot of
things better than me but I think I am a different player, the way I play my
football. He has got his own game and it is totally different qualities. I
think if I played like that I wouldn't be good. "I had some assists with
him. I think he can play with one or two strikers with Nicolas Anelka.
Didier is one of the best ever Premier League strikers, I think so. I don't
think you will find a lot of players like him. It is just his way of
playing, turning in the box. It is very difficult to find a player like him.
He is very good man, a top man and very good in the dressing room. He tried
to help young players. He is a fantastic guy to have at your club."
As an African himself, Mido is aware just how big a star Drogba is on his
home continent - following in the footsteps of the likes of former AC Milan
striker George Weah. "Footballers in Africa become real idols. You look at
George Weah, he ran for President [of Liberia]. These players get big in
their countries. All of Africa follows the Premier League more than anywhere
else. Everyone there watches it. For them to see their players from their
own countries - poor countries - competing and scoring goals and winning
things, is the best thing. It makes them so proud that a compatriot has
reached that level. They just love them. "In a way I am like that. In Egypt
the Premier League is massive - if a player walked in the street there
everyone will be after him."
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Zola eyes fast start
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola said his team must be on the ball from the kick-off at
Chelsea this weekend
12.03.2010
Gianfranco Zola believes teamwork will be the key if West Ham United are to
beat Chelsea on Saturday. The Hammers manager takes his team to Stamford
Bridge aiming to upset the club he called his own between 1996 and 2003 -
and will do so boosted by the return of the fit-again Danny Gabbidon and
Benni McCarthy. To do so, Zola knows his players cannot afford to hand the
initiative to the Blues, having learnt the lesson of giving Bolton Wanderers
a two-goal start in last weekend's 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at the
Boleyn Ground. "It is important that, in the Premier League, you start the
game very well because it really dictates the result a lot. The point I made
was that when we played Hull City, after three minutes we pressed and
created an opportunity. We got the ball back in their half and we scored a
goal and we won 3-0. "With Bolton it was exactly the opposite. The way that
we started wasn't good enough and they won the game. They were better
prepared for the game than us and they won the game. That was a big, big
lesson, and it's going to be important to start properly."
With his team looking for their first away win since scoring a 2-0 victory
at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the season's opening day, the manager has
called on his team to show both physical and mental strength against Carlo
Ancelotti's title-chasers. "One of the most important things is going to be
the organisation, the desire to be a team. We need to play more like a team
which, in my opinion, against Bolton we didn't do very well. That would be
vital. We are in a situation where everybody has to play together and
everybody has to work hard for each other. If we do that, then we have a
very good chance. "The mental thing is one of the most important things
because everything you do starts in your mind first, so you have to be
prepared. It's probably the most difficult thing, because the mind can be
tricky, but that is what makes the difference between winning or losing,
between achieving big things or not, between becoming a great team or being
another average team."
Consistency has been hard to come by for West Ham on their travels, and Zola
revealed that he has drummed into his players that they must concentrate
from kick-off until the final whistle in every away match they play between
now and the end of the season. "We've been very, very inconsistent and very
poor. I have no excuses really. It hasn't gone the way it should have gone.
The point is that it is part of the past and we have ten games to go and I'm
looking forward to getting some more points now that we need them.
"It's not going to be easy as we have difficult challenges ahead for us, but
it's something we need to improve. We lost three important points against
Bolton and we need to get them back and we're going to start tomorrow to
look for those points."
Zola, who has set his team a target to secure Premier League safety,
insisted there would be no room for sentiment this weekend - stressing "my
commitment to West Ham is massive and total". He said: "Personally I think
37 points should make it, but some people say less. I want to be sure and 37
would be a good target for us. I think we have enough quality here. We are a
good team. I repeat, we are a good team but we have to improve, especially
with our consistency. "It would be fantastic for me to beat Chelsea because,
in this situation, we need those points. For me and for my team, I think it
would be a big boost if we could achieve that. It would be great."
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Cole ready for Terry duel
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is looking forward to locking horns with ex-Chelsea team-mate
John Terry this weekend
12.03.2010
Carlton Cole has told WHUTV he is ready to make an impact when he comes up
against former team-mate John Terry at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The pair
spent four years together at Chelsea, where both came through the club's
Academy. While Terry has remained in west London, captaining the team to two
Premier League titles, Cole has been earning rave reviews for his
performances in a West Ham United shirt since joining the club in summer
2005. Over the past year, the duo's paths have crossed regularly again after
Cole forced his way into the England set-up, appearing alongside his former
club-mate on all seven of his senior international appearances. While Terry
has a reputation for being one of the world's best centre-backs, the
26-year-old believes he has the qualities to get the better of his old pal
this weekend. "I think, if I'm 100 per cent then I can match up against
anybody," Cole told WHUTV. "I know what I'm capable of and if I'm at 100 per
cent, then I can do some damage against anyone I play against. "It's up to
me and about how I am on the day. I don't ever look at the other players who
I'm playing against because it's all about me and if I'm on the game."
After last weekend's disappointing home defeat by Bolton Wanderers, Cole
said Gianfranco Zola's squad were determined to put things right by picking
up a positive result at Chelsea. "If we can get any kind of result at
Chelsea - or Arsenal - it would be a real morale boost for us. "The players
have been working really hard this week. We have been put through our paces,
because we know the result against Bolton was not good enough and we need to
pull our fingers out and get something out of these games that are coming
up."
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Parkes targets victory
WHUFC.com
Former Hammer Phil Parkes believes West Ham United need to get at Chelsea on
Saturday
11.03.2010
West Ham United have to take advantage of the absence of Chelsea goalkeeper
Petr Cech on Saturday. That is the view of former Hammers and England
stopper Phil Parkes, who believes the absence of the injured Czech Republic
international opens a window of opportunity for Gianfranco Zola's side. With
back-up Hilario also sidelined, former Middlesbrough stopper Ross Turnbull
is in line to make his first league start for the Blues. Whoever lines up
between the sticks for Carlo Ancelotti, the 1981 Hammer of the Year believes
West Ham must get back at least one of the points they lost by losing at
home to Bolton Wanderers when they travel to Chelsea and Arsenal over the
coming two weekends. "Chelsea is probably the tougher of the two, as Arsenal
tend to let you play football, as we've seen in our two meetings at Upton
Park, where we've had two good games against them. Obviously, with the
strikeforce that we've got, maybe we can give them even more of a game.
"Chelsea will be a tougher game because they do close you down and, when
they are on their game, they are a formidable side. But this is a good time
to play them because they've got a few injuries, including a bad one which
could set them back a bit to Cech. "I think we've got a chance, especially
with the bit of belief we've got now and the strikeforce we've got. When was
the last time we had two strikers come off and two strikers come on, like
they did against Hull City? It's been unheard of here and it bodes well."
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Royals appointment for U18s
WHUFC.com
Blair Turgott is just one of the club's promising U16s who could be involved
this weekend
11.03.2010
Tony Carr's youngsters return to inter-group action this weekend when the
Under-18s welcome FA Premier Academy League Group B team Reading to Little
Heath. Like Group A side West Ham United, the Royals stand fifth in their
division and are enjoying a solid season. The Hammers returned to form last
weekend with a 3-0 home win against high-fliers Crystal Palace, with Dominic
Vose scoring two to make it four goals in four starts at this level. A home
win would renew Tony Carr's hopes of challenging for the Group A runners-up
spot, with Arsenal running away with things at the top of the table.
However, there is a tough test to follow next week with a trip to the clear
Group B leaders Leicester City - one of the country's form teams. Carr is
continuing to blood youngsters like Vose, midfielder Blair Turgott
(pictured) and defender Jake Young, who has just been offered a scholarship
and made his U18 debut earlier this month. The U16s squad has continued to
impress this season and the Academy Director will take an even closer look
at many of them in the weeks to come. He said: "We do feel we have got a
talented squad at U16 level. The excitement for me is that there is real
talent in that squad and it would be wonderful if we had three or four lads
knocking on the door of the first-team squad in three years' time."
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Spence pushing on
WHUFC.com
It is a crucial time for Jordan Spence and the right-back is working hard on
impressing the management
11.03.2010
An encouraging sight around the first team squad in recent weeks has been
the progress made by Jordan Spence. The Academy graduate has returned from a
couple of loan spells and been given a chance to show Gianfranco Zola and
his staff how he has progressed. Still only 19, Spence has done well in the
last two reserve fixtures - including Monday's practice game against San
Jose Earthquakes - and was part of the matchday squad for the Barclays
Premier League visit of Bolton last Saturday. Spence, who has captained
England at every level up to Under-20, does not turn 20 until May but has
already amassed 29 league appearances at Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe
United. It is at the Boleyn Ground though where he wants to knuckle down and
prove he has the ability to make the grade. As such, his recent performances
have seen him show more of the attacking side of his game. "The defensive
side of the position comes more naturally from playing regularly at
centre-back," he said. "But I have been playing right-back more consistently
lately. I feel I have a lot to offer going forward. "I have been staying out
at the end of training with Kev [Keen] and a few of the boys working on
crossing and delivery into the box. I see how Julien [Faubert] often gets
into those areas and really puts quality telling balls in."
Spence did just that to set up the winning goal after surging forward in the
reserves' recent 2-1 win against Chelsea while he was deployed in an
experimental holding midfield role at times during the Monday match against
San Jose. At right-back, he knows that he has the advantage of assistant
manager Steve Clarke and reserve-team coach Alex Dyer's extensive knowledge
from their own playing days. "It is a great opportunity. Steve offers help
as that was the position he made his own during his career. There is a lot
of help around for me and they are helping me to learn the position and get
better."
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Fresh start for Street
WHUFC.com
After six years at the club, goalkeeper Adam Street has decided to return
home to his native Canada
12.03.2010
West Ham United would like to wish Adam Street all the best for the future
after the goalkeeper decided to return to his native Canada. The 18-year-old
had been at the club for six years and rose through the youth ranks to play
for the reserves. However, after a trial period with hometown team Toronto
FC earlier this year, Street decided he wanted to head home permanently. The
Canada Under-23 international has yet to decide on the next steps but was
keen to thank the club. "I am trying to get my head around what to do in the
future," he said. "I went back to Toronto recently and all my family are
there. I have been here six years and it feels strange to be saying goodbye.
It is hard to go but this is the right decision for me. You never know what
will happen but I have plenty of time to think about what's next. "I have a
lot of good memories. I have enjoyed working with [goalkeeping coach] Jerome
John since I arrived and I am grateful to Tony Carr and Paul Heffer in the
Academy. It has been a long time and Bob and Val [who run the Academy house]
have been like my family. It is a difficult thing but this is what I have to
do. I will keep in touch and will follow how the club does."
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Pair get Montaigu call
WHUFC.com
Mathias Fanimo and Blair Turgott have been included in England's U16 for the
Montaigu Tournament
12.03.2010
West Ham United youngsters Mathias Fanimo and Blair Turgott have been named
in England's Under-16 squad for the prestigious Montaigu Tournament in
France. Forward Fanimo (pictured) and midfielder Turgott have been named in
Kenny Swain's 18-man selection for the friendly competition, which will take
place between Wednesday 31 March and Monday 5 April. The schoolboys, both
16, have excelled for the Hammers this season, making regular appearances
for Tony Carr's side in the FA Premier Academy League. The pair have been
offered scholarships, and Carr is hopeful both have bright futures with the
club. England will take on Ukraine, Gabon and Japan in the group stage, with
the winners advancing to face either France, Portugal, United Arab Emirates
or Benin in the final on 5 April. The Young Lions will kick-off their
campaign against Ukraine on 31 March before taking on Gabon the following
day before completing their group stage fixtures by meeting Japan on 3
April. England have a fine recent record at the Montaigu Tournament, with
West Ham striker Robert Hall helping Swain's team to a final victory over
Germany a year ago. Founded in 1973 and originally held between club sides,
the Montaigu Tournament was first contested by international teams in 1976.
England have lifted the trophy four times, in 1978, 2000, 2008 and 2009.
They were also runners-up in 1986, 2001 and 2007.
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Powell keeping the faith
WHUFC.com
According to Chris Powell, West Ham United will be able to push on and go
from strength to strength
11.03.2010
There was a familiar face back at Chadwell Heath this week in the form of
former fans' favourite Chris Powell. The left-back won plenty of admirers
during a terrific spell at the club in the promotion season of 2004/05 -
"the best year of my career" - culminating in a starring role in the
play-off final at Cardiff. Now 40, Powell is still heavily involved in the
game as a player-coach at Leicester City and was back at West Ham to pick up
some tips. Powell caught up with many old friends including his old
team-mate Mark Noble and former Charlton Athletic colleagues Jonathan
Spector, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole. He knows full well about the quality
in the Hammers ranks and has no doubts the club will be able to secure
top-flight status for another season. "The club was boosted by the signing
of strikers in the transfer window. Young Carlton was injured at the time,
so there is a bit of strength there to help him now. The games coming up
against Wolves and Stoke will be important to win and the boys know exactly
what they have to do.
"Gianfranco [Zola] and Steve [Clarke] are the same and they will be making
sure the boys are ready to do that. I truly believe they are going to be OK
and you can see the spirit in the place. There is more than enough in this
squad that will see West Ham stay up and survive in the Premier League."
Powell was capped by England under Sven-Goran Eriksson, and said he believed
the club's Three Lions contingent should all be confident over their World
Cup chances. "It would be great for West Ham if they have players in that
final 23 to go to the World Cup. As I proved, it is never too late - I got
five caps - five more caps than I thought I would have ever got. "You should
never give up hope. Matt Upson and Rob Green are sure to go to South Africa.
For Carlton and Scotty, if they keep doing what they are doing for West Ham
week in, week out, then they will be in with a chance as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Saturday, 13 March 2010 Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score &
highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will make his league debut for Chelsea as Hilario
is sidelined with an abductor muscle injury. Juliano Belletti and Michael
Ballack return after one-match bans, while Yuri Zhirkov has recovered from a
calf strain.
West Ham welcome back Benni McCarthy and Danny Gabbidon after injuries. But
full backs Julien Faubert and Herita Ilunga are not fit for the trip across
London.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Chelsea
Injured: Bosingwa & Essien (both knee), Carvalho (hamstring), Cech (calf), A
Cole (ankle)
West Ham
Suspended: Da Costa
Injured: Boa Morte & Hines (both knee), Davenport (leg), Faubert
(hamstring), Ilunga (tendon), Noble (arm)
MATCH PREVIEW
In 1996, new Parma manager Carlo Ancelotti decided that the unique talents
of Gianfranco Zola did not fit into his system and sold the diminutive
striker to Chelsea, thus setting in motion the process that led to Zola
becoming a Blues legend. On Saturday the Italian returns to Stamford Bridge
desperate for a result that would seriously damage his former club's title
ambitions, and boost his own side's stuttering survival bid. Zola's side
hover just three points outside the drop zone and suffered a morale-sapping
defeat at home to relegation rivals Bolton last time out. They follow up
Saturday's trip to Chelsea with another London derby at Arsenal - a daunting
prospect for a side who haven't won away from home since the opening day of
the season. Chelsea's hopes of a first Premier League title since 2006 have
been hit by two defeats in their last three league outings amid question
marks over team-morale in the wake of several high-profile scandals.
Ancelotti's side go into Saturday's game trailing leaders Manchester United
by two points, but will take heart from a 10-match unbeaten run against
their east London rivals.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• West Ham have not beaten Chelsea in any of their last 10 meetings in all
competitions (D2, L8). Their last win came in May 2003, with their last
victory at Stamford Bridge coming a year earlier in September 2002.
• In the last 10 Premier League meetings with the Blues, West Ham have
failed to score more than one goal.
• Chelsea have not lost back-to-back Premier League games since May 2006.
• Didier Drogba has scored 10 goals in his last 11 Premier League
appearances.
• If the Blues concede a goal, they will have shipped more goals already
than in any full season since 2003-04.
• Nicolas Anelka turns 31 on Sunday.
West Ham
• The Hammers have not won any of their last eight Premier League London
derbies.
• They have only earned one point after conceding the first goal this
season, losing 12 times and drawing once. They last came from behind to win
a league match in December 2008, beating Stoke 2-1.
• Along with Bolton, West Ham and Chelsea have scored the most goals from
set pieces this season (20).
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Chelsea
Drogba: 25 goals (19 league); Lampard: 16 goals (12 league)
West Ham
Cole: 9 goals (9 league); Diamanti: 8 goals (7 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant referees: Stephen Child & Rob Lewis
Fourth official: Stuart Attwell
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Chelsea (L2-4 v Man City, h): Hilario, Ivanovic, Carvalho (Kalou 69), Terry,
Lampard, J Cole (Sturridge 60), Mikel (Belletti), Ballack, Malouda, Drogba,
Anelka. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Alex, Matic.
West Ham (L1-2 v Bolton, h): Green, Faubert (Dyer 47), Tomkins, Upson,
Spector, Behrami, Parker, Kovac (Stanislas 75), Diamanti, Cole, Franco (Mido
67). Subs Not Used: Stech, Ilan, Da Costa, Daprela.
MOST RECENT MEETING
West Ham 1-1 Chelsea (20 December 2009)
West Ham scorer: Diamanti 45 (pen)
Chelsea scorer: Lampard 61 (pen)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
One in, one out
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 11th March 2010
By: Staff Writer
Bondz N'Gala has joined Championship strugglers Plymouth on loan - whilst
Frank Nouble has returned from his stay at West Bromwich Albion. Reserve
captain N'Gala is expected to be confirmed as a temporary Pilgrim later
today having been given the green light to join Paul Mariner's side by
Gianfranco Zola. Mariner, speaking to the The Herald last night was
delighted to finally capture a player he holds in high regard. "He's a very
strong, uncompromising defender, but he has got more ability than an
archetypal Championship defender," said the former Ipswich striker. "He has
been on our radar for a while, and he came in for a week's training last
month. We wanted to keep him but circumstances meant it didn't happen. West
Ham had to do some things and they had some injuries. Now they have got
players coming back and Gianfranco Zola and Stevie Clarke are letting him
out to us. "He's a very intelligent player and a quick learner. The
important thing is he likes to defend. It bothers him when the team he's on
concedes a goal or he gets beat, which isn't very often. We are very
grateful."
Meanwhile teenage striker Frank Nouble's month-long loan spell at the
Hawthorns ended yesterday to less than rave reviews. He made three
appearances for the Baggies but failed to score a single goal - although in
his defence, he was played out of position on the left wing on each
occasion. Nouble's stay with the Albion was summed up by one poster on
westbrom.com, WBA Mitch, thusly: "[He made a] promising start against
Scunthorpe but it went downhill from there. From what I saw at West Ham he
has got stuff to his game but didn't help himself in the spell he had here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea v West Ham United: Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th March 2010
By: Preview Percy
Preview Percy has an IQ that is actually greater than Frank Lampard's.
However, like Lampard he hides it well.....
Next up we pop down the District Line (in the unlikely event that it's
actually working) to Fulham Broadway for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday against
Chelsea.
Chelsea are in second place on 61 points, two behind Man Utd with a game in
hand. They are ahead of Arsenal on goal difference with a game in hand over
the librarians. Form-wise, in their last 6 league matches they've won 3
(away at Wolves and Burnley and at home to Arsenal), drawn 1 (at Hull) and
lost 2 (away at Everton and at home to Man City). They're currently 2-1 down
to Internazionale after the first leg of the last 16 of the "Champions"
league and, after last weekend's 2-0 win over Stoke, they are through to the
semi-final of the FA Cup where they'll meet Aston Villa.
The papers have, of course, been all over Chelsea in recent weeks regarding
"Bridgegate" and more time was spent photographing and videoing the
"handshake that never was" than covering the actual match. Now I'm not one
to waste an awful lot of time on the shenanigans of someone as obnoxious as
Terry – even if it is clear that, coming as he does from a family of
shoplifters and drug dealers, the apple hasn't fallen far from that
particular rotten tree. However, the whole affair – and the reaction of the
club and its supporters just goes to show that money can buy you almost
anything but class.
The home side have major concerns about their goalkeeping situation. Petr
Cech picked up a knock in the first leg in Milan and has been missing ever
since. He's unlikely to be back twixt the sticks until the end of the month.
Hilario has been deputising though many observers have commented that he has
been less than convincing in the role. Maybe his mind has been on other
things. In any case he will be out of this one with an abductor muscle
problem. This leaves them with a choice between Ross Turnbull and Rhys
Taylor. Turnbull is the more experienced of the two, and I remember him
having a superb match against us at the Riverside a few years back.
Listening to local radio in the cab on the way back to the hotel after that
match, Turnbull was being spoken of in terms of an England place. However,
his form dipped and it was a major surprise when Chelsea snapped him up at
the end of his Boro' contract.
They'll also be missing Ashley Cole whose injury will at least give him some
time to sign the divorce papers. He'll be finding that a broken ankle tends
to cramp one's style somewhat – and I speak from experience. There again I
didn't notice an awful lot of difference after the plaster came off. Mind
you that was in the days before mobile phones became so commonplace.
Full-backs have been a bit of a problem for Chelsea of late. Apart from
Cole, there have also been injuries to Bosingwa (who won't appear again this
season) and Zhirkov (who is rated either "extremely doubtful" or "available"
for Saturday, depending on which source you believe). Ivanovic has coped
well on the right and one-time Hammer's target Ferreira may start on the
left. Malouda is also a possibility for left back having filled in there on
an emergency basis from time to time, notably in the Man City match.
However, the feeling is that by playing Malouda in defence they lose a
little going forward.
In midfield we will, of course, see Frank Lampard who has over 120 league
goals to his name. Or 45 if you discount deflections. It's predictable that
Lampard will receive a fairly hostile response from the travelling support.
On past form, this will provoke a wildly hypocritical response from a
certain Sun journo, who will be so incensed at the stick that Lampard will
get he will a) fail to hear anything from the home crowd, and b) completely
forget to mention that, as Lampard's official biographer, he has a financial
interest in presenting his client in a suitably rose-tinted light. I believe
the technical term for such memory lapses is "Holting".
Up front of course we are likely to be confronted with Duane Dibley
lookalike Didier Drogba. Drogba is, of course, notable for his
"unsteadiness" though to be fair to the player he does suffer from the UK
media's xenophobic tendency to highlight such antics whenever the player
involved. Whilst there is no doubt he does go to ground far too easily from
time to time, it is interesting to see how his antics are reported when
compared to Steven Gerrard who, if anything probably eclipses Drogba in the
"Bambi On Ice" stakes. There will also be the prospect of facing Anelka who,
since arriving at Chelsea, has kept his head down – unlike one or two of his
team-mates. Another former Hammers target, Daniel Sturridge may play a part
up front. You may recall that it was his dive in the match at the Boleyn
that earned the visitors an undeserved draw, showing that he has learnt
quickly from the senior pros in the squad since his move south from Man
City.
So what of us? Well like the home side we have a few problems with the
full-back slots. Faubert's injury picked up against Bolton makes him
unlikely to start whilst Cheri Ilunga's calf will keep him out for at least
another week. This may mean a first League start for Daprela, who looked
promising in the Cup match against Arsenal earlier in the year. If that's
the case, Spector will move over to the right. Central defence may be
interesting. Tomkins had a poor game against Bolton – even allowing for the
leniency afforded to Davies by a poor referee. Gabbidon is said to be
available for selection and it is suggested that he may come in to give the
shell-shocked youngster a breather.
The composition of the midfield will depend to a certain extent on who lines
up in defence. Behrami dropped back to right-back when Faubert went off last
week and where he appears will depend on whether Zola risks Daprela at left
back or prefers to stick with Spector. Dyer, amazingly, may be available for
a third match running, which should at least please the owners as his
average cost per match starts to come down.
Another notable absentee in recent weeks has been Benni McCarthy. However,
he is said to be available for selection which will give the management a
choice of Cole, McCarthy, Franco, Mido and Ilan up front. Well it makes a
change from having no strikers at all I suppose.
Prediction? Well this is a classic case of the head saying one thing and the
heart the other. On the face of it we should have little chance against this
lot, given the depth of the squad that they can afford to throw money at and
the head suggests a heavy defeat. However the heart is saying something
different to me – and it's not just "don't you dare run for that bus" for
once. There are a couple of things that make me think that there's a chance
– admittedly a small one – of picking up something here. The goalkeeping
situation and their recent form suggest that they are not invincible. But
for the refereeing (thank you yet again Mike Dean) we would have picked up a
deserved three points at the Boleyn and, for all his rather embarrassing
posturing, the always overrated Terry has looked shaky from time to time in
recent weeks. So I'm going to go with the heart instead of the head and
plump for the most unlikeliest of 1-1 draws this time round.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: Drew 1-1 Bellamy gave us the lead in the first half before
Anelka's 51st minute leveller. Cole should have given us all three points in
injury time.
Danger man: Lampard always scores against us unfortunately. And when he
doesn't look like scoring he can usually rely on kindly officials for a
penalty or three. Talking of which.....
Referee: Mark Clattenburg Sacked last year over his personal finances then
reinstated after an 8 month suspension. In any other walk of life it would
be his poor performances that would see him on the dole queue rather than
his personal life. One can but dream.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola sets points target
Hammers boss eyes Chelsea win
By Carla Hilton Last updated: 12th March 2010
SSN
Chelsea to win 2-0 11/2 or West Ham to win 2-1 40/1
1st Goalscorer - Cole 11/1, Diamanti 14/1 or Stanislas 18/1
Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham will ensure survival in the Premier League
should they take 10 points from their remaining games. The Hammers were
disappointing in defeat to fellow strugglers Bolton at Upton Park last week
and are now readying themselves for a double whammy against Chelsea and
Arsenal in their next two fixtures. They are far from expected to win those
games, but Zola believes they are more than capable of putting up a fight
against the title chasers. With his side only three points above the drop
zone, the former Chelsea star knows that those up-coming games will be a
real test for his side. He is confident the Hammers will pull through,
though, and has set his string a target of 37-points by the end of the
season. "Personally, I think 37 should make it for us," said Zola, who has
put it to his players to win 10 points from their remaining fixtures. "Some
people are saying less, but I want to be sure that 37 will be a good target
for us." Zola returns to his old stomping ground on Saturday hopeful of
upsetting the applecart against Chelsea who have suffered defeat on only one
occasion at Stamford Bridge this season. Hoping to replicate the success of
Manchester City just two weeks ago, Zola added: "It will be fantastic for me
to win at Stamford Bridge. "The situation is that we need those points. For
me and my team, I think it will be a big boost forward. "I think we have
enough quality here to do it. But we have to improve our consistency."
The Hammers boss enjoyed a fruitful playing career at Chelsea between 1996
and 2003 and he admits it is always emotional for him going back to Stamford
Bridge. "I have a lot of people at Chelsea who are special to me. I always
care and treat them with respect," he said. "It's a place where there are
lots of memories for me. Every time I go back, it's a pleasure. "But my
commitment to West Ham is massive and total."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea v West Ham preview
Blues look to avoid three defeats in four against London rivals
By James Riach Last updated: 12th March 2010
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Chelsea 3 West Ham 0
SKYBET odds: Chelsea 2/9, Draw 5/1, West Ham 12/1
One to watch: Frank Lampard
Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League
when London rivals West Ham travel to Stamford Bridge. After a 4-2 defeat at
the hands of Manchester City a fortnight ago, the Blues bounced back with a
2-0 triumph over Stoke in the FA Cup last weekend. However, another slip up
in the league could prove disastrous for Carlo Ancelotti's side, with the
race for the title starting to hot up. A victory at the Bridge would see
Chelsea go temporarily top of the table, with Manchester United playing on
Sunday and Arsenal kicking-off on Saturday evening. Chelsea might have one
eye on Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League tie with Inter Milan, as former
manager and 'special one' Jose Mourinho returns to his old club. But a
defeat to the struggling Hammers would mean three losses in four games for
the Blues, and Ancelotti will not want to risk morale hitting a low level
ahead of the visit of the Nerazzurri. A West Ham victory would be a massive
upset though, as Gianfranco Zola's men are currently just three points above
the relegation zone. The former Chelsea favourite saw his side put in a poor
display as they went down 2-1 at home to Bolton last weekend. With a
reported frosty relationship between Zola and the club's new owners proving
a distraction at Upton Park, another defeat would put more pressure on a
coach whose team has only won one away game all season. The last time the
Hammers travelled to Chelsea the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Craig
Bellamy scoring the opener before Nicholas Anelka equalised for the Blues. A
point on Saturday would be an excellent result for the East Londoners,
although they will need a top performance if they are going to get anything
from the game.
Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario is set to miss out with a groin injury so
third-choice stopper Ross Turnbull will play between the sticks, making just
his third appearance of the season, and young keeper Rhys Taylor will be on
the bench. Midfielder Michael Ballack and versatile defender Juliano
Belletti are back from one-match suspensions. However, they have an injury
list which includes Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa and Yuri Zhirkov.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Carvalho is out, as are Michael Essien and Deco.
For the Hammers, January signing Benni McCarthy has returned to full
training and is pushing for a return to the first-team squad. Midfielders
Junior Stanislas and Jack Collison have also been in training, while Keiron
Dyer may start after playing nearly a full half against Bolton last
Saturday. Like Dyer, defender Danny Gabbidon played for more than an hour in
a friendly against Major League Soccer side the San Jose Earthquakes on
Monday, with a hamstring injury keeping him out since December. But Manuel
Da Costa starts a three-match ban following a red card in a reserve match in
February. Herita Ilunga and Julien Faubert are doubts with knocks, while
Frank Nouble has returned from his loan spell at West Brom and could
feature. Mark Noble is definitely out, while Zavon Hines and Luis Boa Morte
are long term absentees.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will face the club where he started his
career, as will Joe Cole if selected, while West Ham striker Carlton Cole
will be doing the same.
Possible starting XIs:
Chelsea: Turnbull, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic, Belletti, Lampard, Mikel, Ballack,
Malouda, Anelka, Drogba
West Ham: Green, Upson, Tomkins, Spector, Faubert, Parker, Behrami, Kovac,
Dyer, Cole, Diamanti
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McLeish amused by reports
Scot unmoved by West Ham rumours surrounding key trio
By Jamie Casey Last updated: 12th March 2010
SSN
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has laughed off claims West Ham are targeting
three of their key players. The Hammers are now run by former Birmingham
owners David Sullivan and David Gold, and reports suggest Liam Ridgewell,
Sebastian Larsson and Christian Benitez are on their radar. Ridgewell and
Larsson are out of contract in the summer but are in talks about extensions,
with the club in control of both situations thanks to an option to extend
their respective deals should they wish to do so. Ecuador international
Benitez, meanwhile, is on-loan from Santos Laguna and McLeish is keen to
hold onto his services after impressive showings in his first season in
English football's top flight. The Scot is amused by the media reports,
however, claiming he finds the likes of which difficult to take seriously in
this day and age. "I'm not annoyed. It's good fun, all part of the banter,"
said the former Rangers manager. "I'm not surprised by anything I read in
the papers or see in the media nowadays. "The mind games, the Premier
League's high profile, all makes for good reading and you get a good laugh
sometimes."
He added: "In terms of players who are out of contract, there are some
discussions ongoing. "We have got some players coming up to their option
periods and we plan to take up those options and let them know more towards
the end of the season." Benitez, 23, has scored just three goals for the St
Andrews outfit. However, despite calling for an end to his diving habits,
McLeish is a fan of the striker's work rate and is keen to prolong Benitez's
stay. "As regards Christian, I would like to keep him here," admitted the
Scot, who has masterminded an impressive return to the top division for the
Blues. "But we have still got work to do and I don't want to talk about
anyone's futures until we get the job done finally and the season is over."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He'll wear West Ham shirt again
The Sun
Published: Today
FRANK LAMPARD will risk a West Ham fans' backlash by honouring the club's
unsung hero. The Chelsea star will return to Upton Park on May 5 to play in
a testimonial for Hammers academy director Tony Carr. Lamps, who will wear a
special claret and blue shirt, will join the likes of Joe Cole, John Terry
and Rio Ferdinand in turning out for the man who set them on the glory
trail. Tickets are already on sale for the expected sell-out.
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OMG... Mido did biz 4 Hammers
The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today
MIDO is aiming to discover the joy of text ahead of West Ham's crunch
showdown at Chelsea today. The Hammers striker is big pals with Chelsea
hitman Didier Drogba after they both played in the same team at Marseille.
Egypt star Mido, 27, and Ivory Coast ace Drogba joined the French giants at
the same time and hit it off on the pitch in dramatic fashion in the 2003-04
season with both earning big moves. Drogba's 19 goals earned him a switch to
Chelsea for £24million while Mido, who played 22 times alongside his mate,
headed to Roma for around £4m. West Ham's January signing said: "We are
still in touch as we have remained friends, I might even be sending him a
couple of texts ahead of the game to wind him up. He was different class
when we were together at Marseille, a really strong player whose physical
presence sets him apart. "Didier created a lot of chances for himself by his
continuous movement. He is a great finisher. "The season we were together
was the time that Drogba just exploded. He was ridiculously good. I am very
happy for him, he has done great for himself and his family. "You will not
find another player like Didier again, he is a one off. His way of playing,
his way of turning, of finishing in the box... it's unique. "Off the pitch
there is a gentle side to Didier not too many people see. He's good with
younger players and in the dressing room, too. He is a terrific man, a
fantastic guy to have in your club."
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Boss Zola is on ten-terhooks
The Sun
Published: 12 Mar 2010
GIANFRANCO ZOLA says West Ham need 10 more points to avoid relegation. And
the Hammers boss has urged his side to pick up three of them against his old
club Chelsea tomorrow. The East Londoners sit three points above the drop
zone with 27 points. After tomorrow's trip to Stamford Bridge, they travel
to Arsenal next weekend. But Zola insists his men have the talent to upset
the title chasers. The Italian said: "Personally, I think 37 points should
make it for us. "Some people are saying less but I want to be sure that 37
will be a good target for us. "It will be fantastic for me to win at
Stamford Bridge. The situation is that we need those points. For me and my
team, I think it will be a big boost forward. "I think we have enough
quality here to do it. But we have to improve our consistency."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady's Football Diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Published: Today
THE First Lady of football, West Ham vice-chairman and wife of Burton Albion
boss Paul Peschisolido, Karren gives her views on 'Terminator' Terry plus
modest hat-trick hero Nicklas Bendtner - and recalls the bizarre revelations
of a food diary from her time at Birmingham.
SATURDAY, MARCH 6
WEST HAM lose and the joke in the boardroom is as we won two games after
David Sullivan had suggested a 25 per cent cut in wages, maybe he should
threaten to up it to 40!
There's a story today claiming Gianfranco Zola will walk away without a
Scolari-type pay-off at the end of the season. Zola's a passionate man, a
respected man and, most importantly, a football man. I don't claim to have a
crystal ball so I can't say what will happen but I know one thing: The
club's out of rehab and recovering after David Sullivan and David Gold's
energetic re-direction. Whatever politicians say, few people actually like
change, managers included, but most accept it quickly if it's change for the
better and that's what we have brought.
SUNDAY, MARCH 7
OSCARS night and my award for best actor goes to John Terry who accepts the
Cup scalp of Stoke by stripping to his shorts so we can all see half of what
his wife, Vanessa Perroncel and who knows who else have been fighting over
in recent months. "Chelsea have been very supportive," he says as the
chants ('John Terry... are you my dad?') bounce off his six-pack. He thumps
his chest as if to say 'I'm still standing'. Grudgingly, I have to say he's
football's Arnie Schwarzenegger. Whatever you throw at him including, it
seems, the female body, he takes and moves on.
MONDAY, MARCH 8
QUESTIONS are being asked about whether the FA will pay Portsmouth their
£607,500 reward for beating Birmingham in the sixth round of the FA Cup. Of
course, they must. Despite all the odds, the alleged dodgy dealings, the
farcical takeovers and the intermittent clouds of despair, football at the
home of HMS Victory is proving an outstanding champion of people's faith.
The players did their duty at the weekend and the story is still being
written that will become an indelible part of the history of Cup underdogs.
When you think about it, the fans are worth a hundred times that reward. The
various sets of owners don't deserve a penny. Mostly, they are greedy fools.
TUESDAY, MARCH 9
WHEN I telephone a particular Premier League director, I'm inevitably met
with a message from his ever-helpful secretary (nickname Attila the Hun)
that he's either on the telephone or in a meeting. Today she tells me he's
unavailable. I tell her I will be calling him on his mobile and she explains
that this is not a good idea because he is actually having colonic
irrigation. Somewhat startled, I find myself saying "I know he's generally
full of bulls**t but is this really going to help?" She hung up, obviously
too busy to chat.
Glad to see Nicklas Bendtner score a hat-trick. Wondered why he wears No 52?
That's the number of thousands he earns each week. Who said he was arrogant?
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10
SUNDERLAND'S 4-0 thumping of Bolton boosts Steve Bruce's chances of keeping
his team up. After 14 matches without a win, he must have felt he'd run over
a black cat, never mind managing a bunch of them. He kept his nerve in a
similar run at St Andrew's although Blues never had such a potentially fine
team or a striker like Darren Bent whose hat-trick brought his total this
season to 18. For some mysterious reason, successive England managers have
been reluctant to pick Bent despite a record that makes him the most
dangerous lone marauder currently available to Il Capo.
THURSDAY, MARCH 11
FOR players who were recently alleged to gorge themselves on chips, Man U
are a great advertisement for the beneficial effects of fried potato. In the
wake of Real Madrid's stunning exit from the Champions League, maybe
Cristiano Ronaldo should hurry back for a large helping with vinegar. Fergie
remained relatively relaxed about the £80million sale of the Portuguese star
but even he could hardly have expected Wayne Rooney to stride into the
breach as he has. Now there's a man who looks as if he'd rather have a
sausage sandwich than yoghurt with fruit any time. This reminds me of when
our players at Birmingham were asked to keep a food diary. One drank a
bottle of neat Ribena every day, another said he didn't know there were
calories in alcohol and a third said he had pizza for dinner and cold
left-over pizza for breakfast. A lad after Roon's own heart, I suspect.
FRIDAY, MARCH 12
IT'S a sign the economic climate is having an effect on football that
Michael Ballack, Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka have been offered only a
further year's contract by Chelsea.
Ballack, shortly to be 34, has to decide whether to accept half his
£121,000-a-week salary but I doubt if any of us will wake up at night
worrying that he won't be able to pay for his kids' school dinners. In
England, when it comes to contracts only Manchester City now have more money
than sense and Real Madrid's defeat on Wednesday emphasises the fact more
than blind spending and a coaching certificate are required of club
managers.
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Uncertainty stalks Gianfranco Zola as relegation clouds gather over West Ham
On one bench will be Gianfranco Zola, on the other Carlo Ancelotti. Looking
down from the smart seats will be Fabio Capello.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Henry Winter
Published: 11:00PM GMT 12 Mar 2010
Italian coaches will be everywhere at the Bridge. The Impossible Job has
become the Italian Job. Marcello Lippi has won the World Cup while Giovanni
Trapattoni wins friends with the Republic of Ireland. Zola, though, is under
pressure. Sport on television Widely considered one of the nicest men in an
often heartless profession, the Sardinian who made the ball smile as an
elegant maestro with Napoli, Parma and Chelsea, among others, now battles to
keep West Ham United in the Premier League. Zola's team delivered an
impoverished display last time out, his players demonstrating insufficient
relish for the fray in the home defeat to Bolton Wanderers, so increasing
the stress levels. Talk of Mark Hughes' arrival in the summer follows Zola
around, adding to the air of uncertainty. Zola handles it all with typical
grace. Yet as he concluded training yesterday, a pall hung across Chadwell
Heath; a bonfire in an adjacent back-garden was spewing out smoke,
reflecting the dark clouds around the club amidst the spluttering form.
Zola, his sure-footedness enduring from his illustrious playing days, glided
through the complex oblivious to the acrid smoke.
After chatting with Pierluigi Casiraghi, the visiting Italian Under-21
coach, he settled down to reflect on why his country nurtures so many
managers. "In Italy the tactical side of the game is very important and
historically the Italian managers have always been very good,'' said Zola.
"We have a good (coaching) school, Coverciano, but also we have a good
philosophy. We work a lot on all aspects of the game and that makes the
managers sharper.''
Serie A has always been a natural breeding ground for managers, grooming
players in the finer tactical nuances of the game. Yet Zola argued that the
increasing sophistication of English football, with players using their head
as well as their heart, meant that home-grown managers would inevitably
emerge from Premier League playing squads.
"Right now in this country, the players are getting more mature and they
know how to play in different ways. English players are getting sharper and
better. Apart from his goals, I'm also impressed with the way Wayne Rooney
moves, with his composure on the ball and his understanding of the game.
That's great. He works on his game a lot and that is what's making him
better and sharper. "English players play with their heart but also they are
learning to play tactically and technically. They are developing. That's why
the results for the national team are getting better and better. A few years
ago when I first came to England (to Chelsea in 1996), there were not many
teams playing different systems. Now there are teams playing 4-4-2, 4-5-1,
trying different things. In football the more things you know the better.
For me, the big advantage in Italy in the 1990s was we had different coaches
and that made Italian football better.''
As West Ham's travails would indicate, Zola has not made an effortless
transition from playing to management. "Different skills,'' replied the
former Italian international. "I was more an off-the-cuff, instinctive
player. As a manager, you have to use your instinct but a lot is about
planning, about being logical. You have to be methodical.''
Zola has certainly had the calculator and fixture list out, working out that
West Ham probably require 10 points from 10 games for safety. Given their
poor away record, having collected only two points from their last seven
trips, visits to Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Fulham may not
yield too much. That leaves West Ham utterly reliant on home games with
Wolves, Stoke, Sunderland, Wigan and Manchester City to reach what Zola
believes will be the magical mark of 37 points. "Everyone is fighting very
hard for their lives so there will be surprise results,'' said Zola. "This
is a job where you are always under pressure. My commitment to West Ham is
total. We have enough quality here but we have to improve our consistency.
Everybody has to be together and everybody has to work hard for each
other.''
Most observers predict applause but no points for Zola on his return to the
Bridge. "If Chelsea are better than us, then fine but we will fight to the
end. Chelsea have great players but they have some faults. We will see
whether we have the strength to take advantage of those weaknesses.''
Carlton Cole is expected to spearhead a 4-5-1 formation, testing the
fortitude of John Terry. Zola knows Terry well and has been in touch "every
now and then'' during the defender's off-field woes. "It's admirable,'' Zola
said of the Chelsea fans' support for their controversial captain. "They
know he's got problems and issues but because he's a Chelsea legend
everybody is sticking by him. That's great because he feels loved. Players
really respond to that.'' Another Chelsea player Zola greatly admires, Joe
Cole, seems unappreciated by Ancelotti. "Joe Cole was doing very, very well
when he was here at West Ham. The reason why he didn't progress over there
[at Chelsea] was maybe because he picked up injuries at important moments.
"If flair players produce something good for the team they are always very
much appreciated. Some flair players are spectacular but sometimes not
effective. Big players like Lionel Messi are very spectacular and very
effective.''
Zola loves talking about the beautiful practitioners of the game but what he
craves currently are points, even if acquired in ugly fashion. Unfortunately
for Zola, another Italian manager, Ancelotti, aims to prevent that.
Fabio Capello to look at Carlton Cole
Fabio Capello will on Saturday assess the merits of Carlton Cole, the West
Ham United centre-forward who takes on Chelsea's John Terry at the Bridge.
With Capello planning to take Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and
Emile Heskey to the World Cup, Cole knows that a good display against Terry
will give the watching England manager real food for thought.
Henry Winter
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Blues hit by keeper crisis
Updated: March 12, 2010, 4:23 PM UK
ESPN
Chelsea have been plunged into a goalkeeping crisis ahead of Tuesday night's
Champions League return leg against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Chelsea
lost first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech with a calf strain in the 2-1 opening
leg defeat at the San Siro and deputy Hilario collected an abductor injury
during last Sunday's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Stoke. The
injuries have left the Blues with just Ross Turnbull and Rhys Taylor
available for the Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham. The pair are
likely to be on duty against Milan in their return last-16 tie as coach
Carlo Ancelotti admits it is unlikely Hilario or Cech will have recovered in
time to play. The loss of Hilario is a real blow for Ancelotti as Turnbull
has made just two appearances for the club this season. Turnbull, who joined
on a free transfer from Middlesbrough last summer, played in the 4-0 Carling
Cup win over Bolton and Chelsea's 2-2 draw with APOEL in this season's
Champions League group stage. "We have a problem with the goalkeepers,''
admitted Ancelotti. "We don't know if Hilario or Petr are able to play on
Tuesday. "I want to put the best line-up out because it's an important game.
We don't have to think about the Inter game.
"We need to win and go back to the top of the table, so I want to put the
best players out. But we have problems. Michael Essien, Ashley Cole, and
Jose Bosingwa are out. Also Ricardo Carvalho and Hilario is not able to
play. So, in goal, Turnbull will play. "Cech is doing physiotherapy. He did
not train on the pitch, so it's very difficult for him to recover for
Tuesday. "Hilario had a problem against Stoke and has not been able to train
this week. An Adductor muscle in his groin is the problem. On the bench will
go Rhys Taylor, our young goalkeeper from the reserve team. "I'm not
worried. The performance of the team does not rely upon the goalkeeper. I
don't want to say we can play without a goalkeeper, because that's an
important player for the team, but I have confidence in Turnbull. "He has
not played a lot of games this season but, with the work with our
goalkeeping coach, he has improved very well. I have no problem about
playing Turnbull against Inter Milan.''
Meanwhile, West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes his team need 10 more
points to beat the drop - and is challenging his players to upset the form
book and pick three of them up at his former club. The Hammers'
disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Bolton last weekend leaves them on 27
points, three above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone with 10
matches remaining. With their next two games coming away at title
challengers Chelsea and Arsenal, many believe it will be West Ham's final
eight fixtures which will determine whether they reach the 37-point mark
demanded by Zola. But the Italian sees no reason why the recovery following
the loss to Bolton cannot start at Stamford Bridge, a ground where he served
Chelsea with distinction between 1996 and 2003. "Personally, I think 37
should make it for us,'' Zola said, when asked how many points his team will
need to secure their top-flight status. "Some people are saying less, but I
want to be sure that 37 will be a good target for us. "It will be fantastic
for me to win at Stamford Bridge. The situation is that we need those
points. For me and my team, I think it will be a big boost forward. "I think
we have enough quality here to do it. But we have to improve our
consistency.''
Zola will make changes to his team, in terms of both preparation and
personnel, for the Chelsea match. Fit-again centre-back Danny Gabbidon is
set to come into the line-up in place of James Tomkins, who was arguably at
fault for both goals West Ham conceded against Bolton. England striker
Carlton Cole could start up front on his own, with Zola reverting to a 4-5-1
formation as he looks to improve his side's dreadful away record this
season. With Julien Faubert ruled out with a hamstring injury, Jonathan
Spector could be switched from left-back to right-back, with Swiss youngster
Fabio Daprela coming in as a replacement.
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Injuries force Chelsea to select keeper Ross Turnbull
BBC.co.uk
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Ross Turnbull will start
in goal for the Blues in Saturday's Premier League match against West Ham.
The 25-year-old comes in for second-choice keeper Hilario, who has been
ruled out with a groin injury. Hilario has deputised for Petr Cech, who is
sidelined with a calf problem, in Chelsea's last two matches. Cech and
Hilario now face a race to be fit for Tuesday's Champions League last-16
second leg with Inter Milan. Chelsea's other remaining goalkeeper is Rhys
Taylor, who is likely to start on the bench against the Hammers. The
19-year-old academy product has yet to make a first-team appearance for the
Blues. The Londoners, who are two points behind league leaders Manchester
United with a game in hand going into Saturday's match with West Ham, will
also be without Portuguese central defender Ricardo Carvalho, while Ashley
Cole (ankle), Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa (both knee) remain long-term
absentees. "We have a problem with the goalkeepers," admitted Ancelotti. "We
don't know if Hilario or Petr are able to play on Tuesday. "But Saturday I
want to put the best line-up out because it's an important game. We need to
win and go back to the top of the table, so I want to put the best players
out. But we have problems. Essien, Cole, and Bosingwa are out. Also Carvalho
and Hilario are not able to play. So, in goal, Turnbull will play."
Turnbull, who joined on a free transfer from Middlesbrough last summer, has
made only two appearances for Chelsea; in the 4-0 Carling Cup win over
Bolton and the Blue's 2-2 draw with APOEL in this season's Champions League
group stage. However, Ancelotti has faith in his third-choice keeper. "I'm
not worried," said Ancelotti. "The performance of the team does not rely
upon the goalkeeper. I don't want to say we can play without a goalkeeper,
because that's an important player for the team, but I have confidence in
Turnbull. "He has not played a lot of games this season but, with the work
with our goalkeeping coach, he has improved very well. "I have no problem
about playing Turnbull against Inter Milan." The Blues lost Cech with a calf
strain in the 2-1 opening leg defeat by Inter Milan at the San Siro and
deputy Hilario collected his abductor injury during last Sunday's 2-0 FA Cup
quarter-final victory over Stoke.
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Cole: I was unhappy at Chelsea
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:12 March 2010 - 11:50 AM
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has revealed that his time with Chelsea
was the unhappiest of his career. The 26-year-old is expected to start
against his former club this weekend after recently returning to first-team
action. Cole started only six games during his time at Stamford Bridge and
was loaned out to the likes of Wolves, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa
before moving to Upton Park in the summer of 2006. He is enjoying life with
the Hammers, telling the Evening Standard: "If the truth be known, I'm still
coming back from almost two months out injured and I know I'm not as bright
yet as I should be but hopefully this game will put me another rung up the
ladder towards full fitness and confidence. "Playing against the top
defenders and doing well against them only helps your confidence and that's
how I see this game. "I had good days at Chelsea but not that many. My
future is at West Ham now and I want to put one over Chelsea because this is
my club. Everything happens for a reason. I always knew that, once I got
games under my belt, I would learn and progress. "I'm at a happy place now
but, when I was there, I wasn't that happy. I wasn't maturing there and I
was seen as the little boy. It can be hard when you come through the ranks
at a club. "I would train well all week and know I wasn't even going to be
on the bench at the weekend. There were so many stars there it was hard for
me to make an impact. "I was always going out on loan and I didn't want to
do that. When I finally left it was a relief really, a weight off my
shoulders, because I could go somewhere else and push on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan tells School Report of Olympic stadium hopes
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan has talked up plans for the club to move
into the Olympics Stadium. In an exclusive interview with a school taking
part in the BBC School Report News Day he sketched out a deal. He offered
to pay half of the gate receipts - above the current Upton Park capacity of
35,000 - from each game at the Olympic Stadium as rent after 2012. The
Olympic Park Legacy Company has urged West Ham and other interested parties
to come forward with details. Earlier this week the Olympic Delivery
Authority (ODA) said it could not guarantee all £2bn National Lottery money
taken to fund London 2012 would be returned. It is hoped profits from land
sold after the Olympic Games will reimburse National Lottery funds. The
stadium and the rest of the Olympic Village in Stratford will be transferred
to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) when the Games is over. But they
plan to decide what is to become of the stadium by March next year. The
stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 for the Olympiad but the original
plan was for it to reduce to a 25,000 capacity athletics-only stadium after
2012. But OPLC has said it will consider all options, including the idea of
a Premier League football club, such as West Ham, moving in as tenants.
A precedent is the Commonwealth Games Stadium in Manchester, which was taken
over by Manchester City football club. The difference is that OPLC is
committed to retaining the running track and other athletics facilities post
2012. Tim, a Year 8 pupil at Chigwell School in Essex, interviewed Sullivan
as part of School Report. Tim, a West Ham season ticket holder, told School
Report: "We asked him about it and he said they would like to rent the
stadium. He said they would pay the Olympics company half of the gate for
every game above the capacity at Upton Park."
'Bigger club'
Tim said: "I'm a West Ham fan and I would be pretty happy to move there. I
have got a season ticket and I like Upton Park but it would make us a bigger
club and might get into Europe if we moved into the Olympic Stadium."
Earlier this week School Reporters from Chigwell visited the Olympics site
and took some photographs of the stadium under construction. A spokesperson
for the Olympic Park Legacy Company said: "The company has been very focused
to secure the best possible use for the Olympic Stadium after the Games. "We
have been examining all options which will both secure the financial
viability and significant public investment in the stadium coupled with
making sure that legacy promises are fulfilled. "It is very encouraging that
there is great interest and enthusiasm in the future use for the Stadium. It
is already a dominant structure on London's landscape and offers fantastic
opportunities to fulfil its Olympic legacy. "We are perfectly clear that the
future of this valuable public asset is secured in a way which allows the
best opportunities to come forward and at the same time offer the best value
for money for the public purse. "In the coming months, we will put in a
place a process which will allow appropriate uses for the Stadium to be
brought forward, which we will then evaluate against a set of criteria prior
to the Board of OPLC making recommendations to the Mayor and Ministers. "We
aim to complete this process and reach a settled position by the end of the
March 2011."
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Chelsea in keeper crisis as Ross Turnbull plunged into goal against West Ham
after Hilario injury and could face Inter Milan
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 3:29 PM on 12th March 2010
Daily Mail
Chelsea have been plunged into a goalkeeping crisis ahead of Tuesday night's
Champions League return leg against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Chelsea
lost first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech with a calf strain in the 2-1 opening
leg defeat at the San Siro and deputy Hilario collected an abductor injury
during last Sunday's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Stoke. The
injuries have left the Blues with just Ross Turnbull and Rhys Taylor
available for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham. The
pair are likely to be on duty against Milan in their return last-16 tie as
coach Carlo Ancelotti admits it is unlikely Hilario or Cech will have
recovered in time to play. The loss of Hilario is a real blow for Ancelotti
as Turnbull has made just two appearances for the club this season.
Turnbull, who joined on a free transfer from Middlesbrough last summer,
played in the 4-0 Carling Cup win over Bolton and Chelsea's 2-2 draw with
APOEL in this season's Champions League group stage. 'We have a problem with
the goalkeepers,' admitted Ancelotti. 'We don't know if Hilario or Petr are
able to play on Tuesday. 'Tomorrow I want to put the best line-up out
because it's an important game. We don't have to think about the Inter game.
'We need to win and go back to the top of the table, so I want to put the
best players out. But we have problems. Michael Essien, Ashley Cole, and
Jose Bosingwa are out. Also Ricardo Carvalho and Hilario is not able to
play. So, in goal, Turnbull will play. 'Cech is doing physiotherapy. He
did not train on the pitch, so it's very difficult for him to recover for
Tuesday. 'Hilario had a problem against Stoke and has not been able to
train this week. An Adductor muscle in his groin is the problem. On the
bench will go Rhys Taylor, our young goalkeeper from the reserve team.
'I'm not worried. The performance of the team does not rely upon the
goalkeeper. I don't want to say we can play without a goalkeeper, because
that's an important player for the team, but I have confidence in Turnbull.
'He has not played a lot of games this season but, with the work with our
goalkeeping coach, he has improved very well. 'I have no problem about
playing Turnbull against Inter Milan.'
Zola may never have arrived in the English top flight as a player with
Chelsea if Ancelotti had found a way to accommodate the Italian in his Parma
side back in 1996. But Zola found himself played out of position and left
for Stamford Bridge where he became a legend. The Italian has struggled to
guide West Ham out of danger at the wrong end of the Barclays Premier but
following their recent takeover by David Gold and David Sullivan, things are
improving. West Ham's recent home form had been impressive but their defeat
to Bolton last weekend could not have come at a worse time for the Hammers
with visits to Chelsea and Arsenal next in line. 'It was not an easy
season for Gianfranco because he's had a lot of injuries, but now, after the
recovery of Carlton Cole, they have more possibility to finish the season
well,' said Ancelotti. 'I hope that West Ham stay in the Premier League
because I think Zola did a good job this season. A very difficult job, but
he didn't lose his confidence or his focus.' But Ancelotti would not be
drawn on whether former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole would play against his
old club. Cole's current contract expires in the summer and the England
international has yet to agree an extension. The player's chances of
grabbing a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad for the finals in South
Africa this summer will not be helped by a lack of first team football. Cole
spent the entire game on the bench as Chelsea defeated Stoke in the FA Cup
quarter-finals last Sunday and Ancelotti added: 'I think that he's keeping a
very good mental attitude.
Also when he's a substitute he doesn't lose his confidence, he doesn't lose
his mental attitude to work very hard. He's a very important player for us.
When he's involved in the squad he has his team-mates to stay focused. I
hope he will improve and he can play other important games' Yuri Zhirkov
will also return to the Blues' starting line-up against West Ham, whose
striker Carlton Cole has revealed he cannot wait to test himself against
John Terry. The Hammers' striker, who has nine goals to his name this season
and is pushing for a spot in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, is so
confident that he has backed himself to come out on top in a duel with the
ex-England skipper. 'I think, if I'm 100 per cent then I can match up
against anybody,' Cole told WHUTV. 'I know what I'm capable of and if I'm at
100 per cent, then I can do some damage against anyone I play against. 'It's
up to me and about how I am on the day. I don't ever look at the other
players who I'm playing against because it's all about me and if I'm on the
game.' Cole added: 'If we can get any kind of result at Chelsea - or Arsenal
- it would be a real morale boost for us. 'The players have been working
really hard this week. We have been put through our paces, because we know
the result against Bolton was not good enough and we need to pull our
fingers out and get something out of these games that are coming up.'
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Chelsea v WEST HAM: Julien Faubert out as Benni McCarthy and Danny Gabbidon
return
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:53 PM on 12th March 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola welcomes back Danny Gabbidon and Benni
McCarthy for the Barclays Premier League match at Chelsea. Centre-back
Gabbidon returns from a hamstring problem while striker McCarthy, a January
transfer window signing, has recovered his match fitness after a knee
injury. Julien Faubert (hamstring) and Manuel Da Costa (suspended) are the
latest players to be ruled out, while Mark Noble, Herita Ilunga, Zavon
Hines, Luis Boa Morte and Calum Davenport remain on the sidelines.
Provisional squad: Green, Stech, Kurucz, Daprela, Spector, Gabbidon, Upson,
Tomkins, Collison, Kovac, Parker, Behrami, Diamanti, Dyer, Franco, Cole,
Mido, McCarthy, Ilan.
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