Preview - Chelsea
WHUFC.com
When and where?
West Ham United v Chelsea
EFL Cup fourth round
Wednesday 26 October 2016, 7.45pm BST
London Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United host their first London derby at their new home on Wednesday when Chelsea make the trip across town for an EFL Cup fourth round tie.
Slaven Bilic's men come into the game with an improved run of form behind them, having followed up a draw with Middlesbrough by beating Crystal Palace and Sunderland by 1-0 scorelines in their last two Premier League outings.
Chelsea, too, will be pleased with their recent results, having recovered from a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal by defeating Hull, Leicester City and then most impressively Manchester United by four unanswered goals at the weekend.
Three straight wins achieved since Blues boss Antonio Conte went back to his favoured three at the back formation has lifted them to fourth in the league table, just a point behind leaders Manchester City.
In the Cup, Chelsea won their third round tie after coming from two goals down against last season's league winners Leicester.
A Shinji Okazaki double looked to have put the Foxes in a strong position, but Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta netted to force an additional 30 minutes, in which Cesc Fabregas notched twice to secure a 4-2 victory.
That followed a 3-2 win over League One side Bristol Rovers in round two, while West Ham booked their place at this stage of the competition by beating Accrington Stanley by the only goal of the game in the third round.
Team news
Slaven Bilic has indicated that he will play as strong a side as possible on Wednesday, with progress in this competition one of his key aims.
Aaron Cresswell returns to the squad following a suspension, while goalkeeper Darren Randolph has featured in Europe and in cup competitions for the Hammers this term, but has been absent from the bench for the last two games due to a minor injury.
Andre Ayew has recently returned to training, but Andy Carroll, Arthur Maskuaku (both knee), Gokhan Tore (quadriceps), Sam Byram (hamstring) and Diafra Sakho (back) remain out.
For Chelsea, they will have to assess Fabregas (thigh) and Branislav Ivanovic (muscle), while Kurt Zouma has returned to training but is not ready to face the Hammers.
Brazilian duo Willian and Oscar are in contention after returning from their homeland following the death of the former's mother and latter's grandfather.
How do I get to the game?
Supporters heading to London Stadium on Wednesday should arrive early for the game and take note of important information at this link.
The latest travel news on the trains can be found here, and click here for news on the roads, Underground, London Overground and TfL rail services.
How can I watch the game?
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can follow all the action as it happens on whufc.com, with live audio commentary in our Match Centre. Here, you can also stay abreast of the action with in-running social media updates, stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social using #WHUCHE
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Slaven Speaks - Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Ahead of West Ham United's EFL Cup last-16 tie against Chelsea, boss Slaven Bilic sat down with the press to discuss Wednesday night's London Derby. The Hammers manager confirmed he will play a strong side at the London Stadium, and also talked about Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Dimitri Payet's Ballon d'Or shortlist selection…
Slaven, will this game against Chelsea in the EFL Cup be one of the most special matches at the new Stadium so far?
SB: "I think so. I haven't thought of it quite like that, but it's a cup game, a London derby, so it's a big game and a big occasion. "Supporters have to be just behind us and we are feeling them in every game we play. We want them to be like that tomorrow and be our 12th player, as they say, and I am sure they are going to be. "I don't want to answer so many questions about the Stadium week-in, week-out – I can only repeat my answers, that we want to try and play good football and win games. The atmosphere on Saturday helped, to be that good. That's all we can do."
Do you think you have now turned a corner?
SB: "Yeah, we have seven points from three games, and we have a couple of wins and a couple of clean sheets. Of course the confidence is back now and we have to continue like this and approach every game like it's our last game; totally focused. If we do that, we should be alright."
What do you think of Chelsea and their new system under Antonio Conte?
SB: "After the defeat against Arsenal, they changed the system and now they have three wins and three good performances and three clean sheets. They are definitely very positive now. "They are playing good football. It was a great game against Manchester United from their aspect. They are one of the candidates to win the league. Their squad is big enough and they have quality in every part of the pitch. "They have hit form now. They are playing good, they are fit, they have a system now and it's working well for them."
Is it important for managers to be able to show the emotion of the touchline?
SB: "You have different people. When you are winning, your methods are good, on the touchline and in training. Some managers sit and watch the game and some are almost like they're playing. "You have to be yourself. During the [Chelsea v Manchester United] game, I saw nothing wrong from Conte or nothing he did that he hasn't before at Juventus. He is very aggressive in a good way, coaching from the touchline."
What's your reaction to Dimitri Payet being shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or?
SB: "I would be surprised if he wasn't shortlisted. He deserves it. He did great last season and on top of that, he had a great Euro with his country. He is very deservedly on that with some top players. "I didn't see [Payet juggling chewing gum]. Of course, he is that good!"
Can we expect changes against Chelsea or will you keep the team similar?
SB: "I said after the Sunderland game that the approach would be to play our strongest possible team. We played on Saturday and the game is Wednesday and then we play Everton on Sunday. "We are going to see today. Yesterday's training was a mix between regeneration for the players who played and bit more for those who didn't. "Now we have a full squad, we will decide and we are going to put a strong team out; as strong as possible."
This is always a well-fought fixture between the two sides isn't it?
SB: "It's a one-off London derby in the cup, and it's a very interesting competition for us. Five or six years ago, teams were not so keen on this cup, but look at the last few seasons, and everyone is trying. "Most make two or three changes, because they have big, strong squads. Chelsea don't have a weak team anyway. "But last year we did well against Chelsea, beating them at home and drawing away, and this is a new season. But we have got our confidence back and have a couple of wins and we're very positive and we'll try to knock them out."
You said you will play a strong team, so where does the EFL Cup feature in this season's plans?
SB: "We are now in the last-16 and if we go through, it's already the quarter-finals. You have some fixtures that some of the big teams will go out in. Man United are playing Man City, Spurs are playing Liverpool, so if you go through and have a good draw, you could have a game which you can go through, if you play good. "Then you are there. It's not ideal to play midweek, and Everton might be more fresh on Sunday, but at this stage of the season, it's not a problem to play Saturday-Wednesday-Sunday.
"That's why we are going to put a very strong team out tomorrow."
Finally, how serious was West Ham's interest in Michy Batshuayi?
SB: "It's all stories. He was on a list of many, many clubs because of his achievements with Olympique Marseille. He's a really good young striker. "He was the subject of basically all the clubs that could afford him. He opted for Chelsea and that's it. "Ask him [about being frustrated on the bench]! It's not frustrating for me!"
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Stevens - It will be a special atmosphere
WHUFC.com
BBC London Sports Editor Pete Stevens knows all about West Ham and Chelsea having covered both clubs on a regular basis for a number of years.
Stevens is expecting a big atmosphere at London Stadium on Wednesday night and feels the Hammers have managed to turn their season around at just the right time....
It is really important that West Ham have put together back-to-back victories and Slaven says he can feel the confidence growing in the changing room.
With the form Chelsea have been in, especially over the last two weeks, it is important for West Ham to be on that level facing them when they are flying.
Chelsea are the in-form team but you have to anticipate that Conte is going to make changes to the side.
The Chelsea squad is a lot bigger than West Ham and if they make six or seven changes, they are still able to bring a number of internationals into the side.
But they have also got to get used to the new system and a number of the players coming in might not have been used to the system that he plays or been involved in such a big London derby.
That could work to West Ham's advantage and if they could contain them for the opening 20 minutes and even score a goal, Chelsea might have to change their formation of how they are going to play.
I think both teams are full of confidence at the moment and Slaven said in his press conference that he doesn't anticipate making a lot of changes. He is going to play his strongest available side and that will only benefit West Ham.
Slaven has changed the system recently and everyone looks a lot more comfortable. The wing backs are getting forward and it seems to be working.
They could probably do with a few more goals but if they can get over that problem then I think they will have a successful season and finish in the top half.
Victor Moses will be making a return to face West Ham and I have always thought he is a good player. He has been loaned out a few times but he has never done a bad job wherever he has been.
He has been given the responsibility this season of helping out the back three and is doing it really well. He is putting in tackles that I have never seen him do before. He has electric pace and is invaluable for Conte to have that kind of player. He is very versatile.
I found out that he has only played 100 Premier League games and he seems to have been around forever. He is having a great season and could be the feather in Chelsea's cap and could win a lot of games for them this season.
It should be a great game on Wednesday night at London Stadium and there has been a lot of hype about the match, but I hope the fans really get behind both teams and make it a special atmosphere.
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The Big Interview - Simone Zaza
WHUFc.com
On Wednesday evening, Simone Zaza will come up against the man who handed him his Italy debut and took him to UEFA Euro 2016 – Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
The former Juventus and Italy midfielder and boss is known to possess one of the most astute tactical minds in European football.
As a player, he won five Serie A titles, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, reached the final of the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000, and earned 20 international caps.
As a manager, he led Bari to Serie A before guiding Juventus to three consecutive Italian titles, before being promoted to the role of national-team manager in 2014.
West Ham United centre forward Zaza's admiration for his old boss is strong, and is relishing the opportunity of challenging Conte.
Simone, what can you tell us about Antonio Conte?
"It was an honour and a pleasure to play under Mister Conte for Italy. He is a coaching genius and a tactical expert and it is interesting to play for him because he is so obsessed with tactics and the movement of players around the pitch."
Conte was known as a tactical genius with Juventus and Italy and has recently implemented his favoured 'three centre-halves' system at Stamford Bridge, with impressive results so far. How do you expect him to fare in England?
"For him, it will be different coaching in England, where tactics are not the most important thing about the game of football. He will have to battle against the footballing culture of this country, but I think he will do well here."
Are you excited about the prospect of facing his Chelsea team in the EFL Cup fourth round in front of a competition-record crowd at London Stadium?
"I am happy because this is a big match against a big team on a big stage, and I like playing against big teams! I am also happy because I will be reunited with Mister Conte."
Chelsea are in good form, so can we beat them?
"We will be at home again and the fans will be behind us, but it will be a big challenge, so we will need to rise to that and play to our best on the night. I am very much looking forward to the match."
Conte is adapting to English football, as are you, so what are the main differences between the Premier League and Italy's Serie A?
"Well, the game is much more physical here and there is less emphasis on tactics. The game is non-stop for the whole 90 minutes and the other aspect that shouldn't be understated is the fact that West Ham have got many new players this season.
"It's not easy for so many players to settle in and get to know each other in such a short space of time."
What about your own adaptation? How is that going?
"I knew that when I arrived it would be hard, because it's a completely different league, but I didn't think it would be this different. I'm gradually getting used to it, feeling more confident and I'm very positive at the moment."
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West Ham United v Chelsea
WED, 26 OCT 2016EFL CUP - FOURTH ROUND
19:45
Venue: London Stadium
BBC coverage
How to follow:
Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Chelsea captain John Terry is fit to return for the EFL Cup fourth round tie at West Ham following an ankle injury.
The Blues defender is set for his first action since 11 September, but defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielder Cesc Fabregas remain sidelined.
West Ham striker Andre Ayew is back in training after a thigh injury suffered in the first game of the season.
Manager Slaven Bilic will "play a strong team" as his side's next league game, against Everton, is on Sunday.
The Croatian added: "If you go through, because some big teams will have left, you may have an easier game and then you're nearly there.
"It's a one-off London derby cup game. Five or 10 years ago clubs weren't so keen on this cup but now it's important."
I always show respect - Conte
Chelsea's Italian manager Antonio Conte has displayed plenty of passion in his short time in England but is adamant he did not mock Manchester United during their 4-0 victory in the Premier League on Sunday.
Conte encouraged Blues fans to make more noise in the closing stages, with reports claiming Mourinho told the Italian at the final whistle that his actions had "humiliated" United.
"You can see my history and my past, you can see my emotion on the bench," said the former Juventus boss.
"I want to stay very close to my players, to help them when we're suffering. I always show respect for the opponent, for the other team and the other club - my history speaks for me."
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MUCH ADO ABOUT ZAZA
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 25 OCTOBER 2016 AT 5:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This article is written by Stephen Lawrence
So here we are towards the end of October and our leading goal scorer has a very Italian sounding name. Had we been told this would be the case by a fortune teller before the season started then we would have all been visualising Zaza capturing the headlines with some typical Italian style flamboyant strikes. We wouldn't have imagined that our make shift right back, come wing back, come right winger would have stolen the headlines with his pin-point headers, even if Antonio is about as Italian as names can come.
Zaza went to press on arrival at the London Stadium saying that he wanted to emulate Paulo di Canio and his success in claret and blue. Lofty ambition, but why not be bold? And perhaps if that attempted overhead kick against Sunderland had gone in, then he would have propelled himself to permanent Hammers fame for one of our most outrageous goals in the Premier League and the comparisons with Di Canio may have begun. Unfortunately not, and until he does score a wonder strike, he's still going to be associated with the most calamatous fail ever in an international penalty shoot out! Luckilly, he wasn't a West Ham player at the time or we would have all been suffering.
Looking at his record, there are reasons to be cautious. He's an international, but his 14 caps for Italy have only yielded just a single goal, that back in September 2014. His strike rate for Juventus is better at 1 goal per 3 games, a similar rate to his prior club Sassuolo. But Juventus have loaned him out and clearly don't see him as first choice for them. So here he his plying his trade at West Ham and, by many recent accounts, working hard.
But will hard work cut it? Based on his goal scoring record back in Italy, if he played, say, 30 games across the season, we'd expect 10 goals from him. Is that enough? Not if he's billed as the 20+ goal headline striker we've been chasing. His work rate certainly seems to have increased over the past two matches but the concern must be that he just doesn't look dangerous, not so far. Compare him with Defoe in the Sunderland game. Every time Defoe got the ball in or near our box he looked like he could create an opportunity. He looked very dangerous. And importantly, he knew where the space was to be created so that his team mates could get the ball to his feet. Something's awry with Zaza in the sense that he's not even making chances let alone scoring goals.
So what's the problem? Is he better suited to playing as part of two up front? Are our play-makers not playing to his strengths? Is he taking a long time to adjust to the Premier League? Is he not up to it? He seems a likeable guy and he's working hard to make an impact. If he was unlucky and keepers were making great saves or he was hitting the woodwork, it would clearly just be a matter of time until he got the breakthrough. But something's not working properly right now. Either our tactics need to change to better bring him into the game or we need to consider how long we hang onto him. Either way, it doesn't look like he's suited to the style we're playing him in and he's only going to lose confidence and find the fans on his back if the goals don't come. The manager needs to decide; either change the system up front or change the player. It seems fruitless to carry on regardless. Best of luck Zaza whatever the outcome. Perhaps you'll surprise us all get a hat-trick against Chelsea.
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Scott Parker led player rebellion over Grant sacking
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker led a players' rebellion on the day Avram Grant was fired as West Ham boss, according to a former team mate.
Danny Gabbidon has revealed how Grant was told to find his own way home having been fired by Karren Brady in the tunnel immediately after the final whistle in West Ham's 3-2 defeat at Wigan in May 2011 - a result that condemned the club to relegation from the Premier League.
And the former Welsh international also revealed how Scott Parker subsequently instigated a revolt amongst the players, who were unanimously disgusted with the manager's treatment, upon hearing the news.
"What the board did to Avram was really poor," Gabbidon, speaking exclusively on the latest edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast said. "They basically told him to find his own way home from the ground.
"The players were really angry about that which is why Scotty said 'that's unacceptable; If you've sacked him, fine, but he's still our manager and he travels back with the team'.
"So that's how we managed to get him back on the coach. It was just embarrassing really, that wasn't the way to conduct your business. We felt it was the right thing to do - which is why Scotty did it."
Central defender Gabbidon, who spent six years at West Ham between 2005 and 2011 maintained that Grant was a dead man walking just a matter of months into his sole season as Hammers boss in 2010/11, having lost the support of the Board.
"There was stuff going on behind the scenes and they were doing things without his input," he added. "He wasn't happy with what was going on so I think when he finally got sacked, it was a bit of relief for him as well. He didn't really stand a chance in the end.
"In the final few weeks of the season the training ground wasn't a good place to be around. During the games it was difficult too as the fans were unhappy. There were even one or two players who didn't want to play in the last home game of the season [against Sunderland] because they didn't want to deal with the crowd and the atmosphere."
The 37-year-old, who retired as a professional last year also revealed how he had his own issues with the club's Board as a direct result of their poor relationship with Grant.
"I hadn't been playing and Cardiff had made an enquiry, so I'd gone to David Sullivan and said 'what are the chances of leaving, because I'm coming to the end of my contract and I need to be playing'," he recalled.
"Karren Brady had said I could go but Avram Grant didn't know anything about it. When he found out he said he didn't want me to leave, so she had to retract her original statement and tell me I couldn't go as she shouldn't have said that behind the manager's back.
"They just didn't get on and were doing things behind his back, so I ended up staying for the rest of that season."
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Gabbidon: this season reminds me of 2006/07
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Danny Gabbidon says that West Ham's current form is reminiscent of the 2006/07 season - which ended with perhaps the greatest escape of them all.
Gabbidon, 37, speaking on the latest episode of the KUMB Podcast told hosts Chris Scull and Bianca Westwood that he saw many similarities between Slaven Bilic's sophomore season and the Premiership campaign that ended in survival on the final day at Old Trafford ten years ago.
"The 2006/07 season was similar to what's happening to West Ham now," he said. "We had such a good season - qualifying for Europe, an FA Cup Final - we thought we were the big boys now and that it was going to happen again. But it just didn't happen.
"We thought we'd been there and done it. We took our eye of the ball, if I'm honest with you. And there was the Tevez and Mascherano saga which didn't actually go down that well with the manager. They were totally contrasting seasons, really.
"Pards probably started believing the hype a little too much - there was a lot of talk about how good a manager he was becoming off the back of the previous season. He probably took his eye of the ball - and we did as players, as well.
"There was a touch of complacency about it all. We didn't start the season well, Pards didn't last too long and it was a really difficult season. We expected things to happen and got a bit too cocky.
"How you start the season is really important, I think. We started poorly - and then it's very easy for confidence to go the other way. It's a similar situation now."
Gabbidon, who retired as a pro last year also felt that the club failed to enhance the current squad during the summer - and questioned whether the current owners were in a position to be able to take West Ham to the mythical 'next level'.
"The players who have come in to West Ham this season probably haven't helped the dynamic of the team too much," he insisted.
"They did so well last season - probably too well - so that in the summer, David Gold and Sullivan were probably thinking we don't need too much. But now, to go to the next level, we need to be spending £30mllion or £40million on individual players - and I don't think they're ready to do that.
"I don't think the players who have come in this season have helped and quality-wise, I don't think they've been good enough to push on again -hence you;'ve seen a poor start to the season.
It's similar in some ways to 2006/07 when you had the takeover and new players coming into the team plus a lot of things going on off the pitch as well, which didn't help."
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Boy bottled by Sunderland striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe was at the centre of a storm on Saturday afternoon after he was accused of hitting a young West Ham supporter with a bottle.
The Sunderland #21, who was an unusued sub as his team were beaten 1-0 by West Ham at the weekend became embroiled in a row with a section of Hammers fans immediately after the game finished.
Anichebe, 28, was then accused of throwing a bottle that has been hurled from the crowd back at West Ham fans - where it is reported to have hit a young supporter, who hadn't been previously involved in the fracas.
That resulted in further ugly scenes as yet more Hammers fans attempted to remonstrate with the Nigerian forward, who had to be dragged away from the scene by fellow players and Sunderland staff members.
Naturally furious, the boy's father later reported the incident to Police. It is unknown whether Anichebe has been spoken to since
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Antonio Conte appeals for respect ahead of West Ham v Chelsea EFL Cup derby
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 25/10/16 4:42pm
SSN
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has called for respect from all sides at Wednesday's EFL Cup clash at London rivals West Ham.
Chelsea have been allocated over 5,000 tickets for the fourth-round tie on their first visit to the Olympic Stadium - a fixture considered high-risk by the Metropolitan Police.
Conte wound up Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho with his passionate touchline behaviour at the weekend and, while again defending his actions, said: "I think that everyone must show respect.
"For me, for my work, for my job. In every game I show myself. Not here, only one game. I have a history and you can see my history, my past and my behaviours on the bench.
"I'm a passionate man, I show this in the past, now. I want to stay very close to my players, also to play with them, to help. I always show respect for the opponent, for the other teams, for the other club and my history speaks for me.
"I know that these two teams are big rivals, but in England it's fantastic the atmosphere during the game, during a match and I hope to see this tomorrow."
Conte confirmed he would make changes to his starting XI and hinted that some of his young stars could be given a chance to shine.
Conte said: "We have this competition and for us it's important, but also this cup can permit you to see some young players who are working well with us, and give us the chance to see their development.
"It's an important cup for us. This season we only have this cup and the FA Cup, so it's a situation to see other players. Tomorrow we will make some changes.
"We know this for sure will be a tough game against a big rival, we played them and it was a tough game, but we are ready. The players are ready to play a good game.
"West Ham had a difficult start but after two wins, the confidence is high. When I see the squad of West Ham I see a lot of good players… and they have a great manager, who is a great worker.
"I know his work and we have a great respect. We played them and it was a tough game, for sure tomorrow it will be similar."
* TfL and the Met Police advise that away supporters can use both Pudding Mill Lane and Stratford stations before and after the game on Wednesday night.
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Slaven Bilic believes Antonio Conte did not 'humilate' Man United
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 25/10/16 12:36pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he has no problems with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's touchline behaviour, ahead of their Wednesday night EFL Cup showdown.
The issue was raised after Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho appeared to be irritated by Conte's attempts to whip up the home crowd on Sunday, with his Chelsea side already 4-0 up at Stamford Bridge.
In the aftermath of the match, the Italian media reported that Mourinho felt Conte's actions were "humiliating for us".
But Bilic does not agree with that interpretation and says Conte's touchline demeanour is not something he takes issue with.
"I know what Jose thought of that, but I don't think that's the reason Conte did it, to humiliate United," said Bilic.
"He just wanted the crowd to praise the team because they were winning, and for what they had done in the game.
"From my point of view, I don't think he wanted to humiliate United.
"On the touchline many managers just sit and watch the game, others are like they are playing. You have to be yourself.
"During that game I saw nothing wrong from Conte or nothing he hasn't done since he started. It was typical Conte. Aggressive, but in a good way."
Wednesday's match will be the first local derby at the London Stadium and a 'robust' policing plan is in place, in light of possible animosity between the rival fans.
Previous Hammers home games have been marred by disturbances in the stands but Bilic is keen to focus upon matters that take place on the pitch.
"It's a cup game, a derby against Chelsea, so yes it's a big game, a big occasion," he added.
"The message to the fans is just to get behind us, because we are feeling them in every game and we want them to be our 12th player.
"Hopefully, the problems are gone. I'm getting fed up with answering those questions week in, week out.
"All we can do is try to play good football and win games. That also helps the atmosphere. It's all we can do."
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