Daily WHUFC News - 26th December 2014

Preview - Chelsea
WHUFc.com
All the need-to-know information ahead of West Ham United's trip to Chelsea
25.12.2014

CHELSEA v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
STAMFORD BRIDGE
FRIDAY 26 DECEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: MICHAEL OLIVER


In brief
The Hammers make the short journey to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day as they
look to extend their five-match unbeaten run.
Sam Allardyce's men have kept themselves in the Barclays Premier League top
four with an impressive run of form, which has seen them take 13 points from
the last possible 15.
Table topping Chelsea will provide them with their toughest test of the
season so far, with Jose Mourinho's men sweeping aside virtually everyone
they have faced this season.
Only Newcastle United have defeated the Blues in league action this term,
and the west Londoners are currently sitting pretty with 42 points from
their 17 games.
Football Remembers
To mark the Christmas Truce, a minute's applause will be held at Friday's
game for the players of both West Ham and Chelsea who served in the First
World War.
Who are they?
Chelsea were formed in 1905 and have been in the top flight for the majority
of their history.
Their first major success came with the league title in 1955. Cup victories
followed in the 1960s and 1970s, but it is in the last two decades that
their greatest period of success has come, with 15 major trophies to their
name since 1997.
They are the only London club to have won the UEFA Champions League and one
of only four in Europe to win all three major UEFA club competitions.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers welcome back Mark Noble to their squad after the midfielder
returned to training this week following an Achilles injury.
However, James Tomkins is a doubt after coming off in last weekend's victory
over Leicester City with a hamstring complaint.
Chelsea
For Chelsea, Eden Hazard could miss out after injuring his ankle in Monday's
victory over Stoke City.
Oscar could be recalled to the starting line-up after sitting on the bench
at the Britannia Stadium.
Referee
Friday's referee is Michael Oliver.
Oliver was introduced to refereeing by his father, Clive, at the age of 14.
He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the National List of
referees in 2007.
In 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley Stadium when
he took charge of the 2007 Conference play-off final. He also went on to
become the youngest fourth official for a Barclays Premier League match.
In August 2010 he was promoted to the Select Group of referees and soon
became the youngest-ever Barclays Premier League referee when he took charge
of Birmingham City versus Blackburn Rovers on 21 August 2010.
Oliver took charge of the Hammers on three occasions last season - a 3-1
defeat at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester City in October and a 4-1
defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in December 2013, before overseeing
February's 2-0 victory over Norwich City.
One to watch
West Ham United
Andy Carroll is back and in fine form for the Hammers after shaking off the
ankle injury which sidelined him for the opening months of the campaign.
Three goals in his last two home games has helped the Hammers to maximum
points and he will be hoping to add to his tally at Stamford Bridge.
Carroll has showed promising signs of developing a dangerous partnership
with Diafra Sakho and Chelsea will need to be on their guard against those
two.
Chelsea
Chelsea forward Diego Costa has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge
following his summer move from Atletico Madrid.
The Spain frontman won the La Liga title with Atleti last season and his
goals are propelling another title charge with his new club,
In just 14 league games for the Blues, the 26-year-old has already notched
12 goals and already looks to be one of the signings of the season.
Television
Cick here for a full list of TV broadcasters.
Tickets
All tickets have sold out for this fixture.
Travel
The District line is closed west of Embankment on Boxing Day, so the closest
open stations to Stamford Bridge are Victoria, South Kensington, Earls Court
and Hammersmith.
Walking routes from these stations to the stadium can be seen here.
For the very latest news on the London Underground, please visit the TfL
website here.
Weather

A cloudy day is expected, with temperature at kick-off of 4C (39F)
Last meeting
Chelsea 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
29 January 2014
West Ham kick-started their climb to safety last season with a priceless
point at Chelsea in January.
The Blues had 39 attempts on goal to West Ham's one, but they came up
against Adrian in inspired form as the Hammers dug deep to claim their
point.
The goalkeeper's heroics won him the Best Individual Performance award at
last season's Player Awards, while Big Sam's men followed this draw with
four straight wins to take themselves into mid-table.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta (Lampard 63), Ramires,
Oscar (Ba 80), Mikel (Matic 63), Hazard, Willian, Eto'o
Subs: Schwarzer, Cole, Luiz, Schurrle
West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan (Nocerino
80), Taylor, Noble, Diame (Jarvis 30), Downing, Carroll (Cole 64)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Morrison, Borriello

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OPPOSITION Q&A CHELSEA
By Sean Whetstone 25 Dec 2014 at 17:00
West Ham till I Die

Merry Christmas Everyone! Who in their wildest dreams would imagine the
Hammers in fourth place in the Premier League on Christmas Day?

This Christmas period I spoke Chelsea fan, journalist and Editor of Chelsea
Mad Paul Lagan who writes for London24.com

Has West Ham's champions league place on Christmas Day surprised you? What
is your view on Sam Allardyce as a manager? Would you ever have him at
Chelsea?
Not a surprise as such, there is always a side the bookies fail to spot. But
the results have come and others like Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd have
had sluggish starts. You have taken advantage of that as well as
Southampton's recent slump.I've liked Sam ever since his Notts County days,
all the sterotypes one expects from a gruff northerner seem to fit him like
a glove. Like Ronseal, he does what it says on the tin.I can see him at
Chelsea, why not? The boardroom are now experienced enough to know what they
want from a manager, minimum Champions League qualification place and final
stages of the cups - is Sam up for it?

What positions do you think Chelsea and West Ham will finish in the Premier
League this season?
The Blue should finish top on current form and performances. A lot will
defend on how Man City fare against other top-four sides including your mob.
The Happy 'Ammers can continue on their merry way for longer. They are no
longer a one-trick pony and can mix it with the very best. So, I'll go for
5th

Which three teams do you tip for relegation this season?
Leicester City have next to no hope.. I'd be happy with QPR and Crystal
Palace following them through the trapdoor

How are West Ham fans perceived by Chelsea fans, does a rivalry still exist?

Proper Chelsea fans, not these one-game wonders are very similar to West Ham
fans. We all have the same mentality, same upbringing, that's why we clash -
sometimes literally - like a magnet, opposites attract, same polarity
oppose.

Do you think West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium will help them push on
to be a regular top six club?
Sure, 60,000 every game will generate massive revenue - if it's used wisely
there should be a bright future ahead.

West Ham sing a song that Chelsea have no history and ask where the fans
were when you weren't successful, Is this fair?
Well it's an irrelevence really isn't it. Progressive clubs don't rest on
their laurels, just look what's happened to Liverpool when all their fans
can bleat about is their past. Just check out the average attendances from
the start of the game and the Blues position might just suprise you.

If you could have any current West Ham player in your team who would you
choose?
I like the look of Cresswell. Not a steller name now, but one with a bright
future. I'm not sure Chelsea's current crop of left-backs are quite up to
the role.

Favourite West Ham player of all time?
Scott Minto - but then, he's a mate of mine

How do you expect the Special One to setup Chelsea against West Ham on
Boxing Day?
Not much will change from the past couple of games. extra firepower on the
bench will probably be the only difference - Drogba and Remy. Jose will go
for a win, no doubt about that.

Where is a a good place for West Ham fans to eat and drink close to Stadium
bridge before the match?
Not really my area of expertise to be honest. Just behave yourselves, show
respect wherever you end up and you will be fine. Don't forget its an early
kick-off, so McDonald's might be your only option.

Score and prediction for Boxing day?
2-0 to the West Londoners, sorry. But do pop along to www.london24.com for a
top-quality match report and excellent post-match comments from both
managers - all courtesy of yours truly. If you are into twitter, follow me
on twitter @cfcjourno

Note from Sean: My thanks to Paul for taking the trouble in answering my
questions. My prediction is a hard fought draw and ready to respect the
point COYI

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Irons still anxious over Song and Cameroon
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 25, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Members of the the West Ham hierachy are refusing to celebrate too much over
the omission of Alex Song from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of
Nations tournament next month. A wave of relief washed across the club after
yesterday's announcement of a Song-less squad on the official Cameroon
twitter account. Led by co-chairman David Gold on Twitter there was an air
of celebration inside the club that the inspirational midfielder would
remain at the club after being snubbed. But today a highly placed insider
told ClaretandHugh: "Some of us are keeping a lid on our emotions because
there is still time for things to happen within the squad. "We are all
keeping our fingers firmly crossed until it gets underway although it is of
course great news as things stand. It wasn't a total surprise because of
the recent history between Alex and the Cameroon bosses following his World
Cup sending-off and suspension that followed."

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Andy Carroll gets fiance Billi Mucklow a secret beauty salon for Christmas
West Ham striker Andy Carroll gets fiance Billi Mucklow unique present
Carroll surprised the former TOWIE star with her very own beauty parlor
Mucklow appeared to have no idea about the 'secret room' in her new home
'Biggest shock of my life. Secret key, lead to a secret room to my new
house! My very own salon,' she writes on Instagram
By KIERAN GILL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:49, 25 December 2014 | UPDATED: 18:19, 25 December 2014
Daily Mail

West Ham striker Andy Carroll surprised fiance Billi Mucklow with her very
own secret beauty salon on Christmas Day. Former TOWIE star Mucklow took to
Instagram to show off the parlour called 'Billutifuls', which she apparently
had no idea was in her new home. 'Biggest shock of my life. With a snap of
the pair sat on their pink sofa, she added: 'Our first Christmas in our new
home.' It is the latest hair-raising experience for Mucklow, after Carroll
showed off his flowing locks by striking a pose with his fiance underneath
the pair's mirrored ceiling. The 25-year-old centre forward captioned that
snap: 'Good morning from our new home!! #crazyhair #dirtymirror.'
The pair started dating in the summer of 2013 but managed to keep their
relationship under wraps until February 2014.

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