Eden Hazard expects to be fit for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with West Ham on Boxing Day.
The 23-year-old limped out of his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke City on Monday evening following a challenge from Jonathan Walters but has told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad: “I’ll be able to play on Boxing Day.”
In the corresponding fixture last season, West Ham were able to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge, although Jose Mourinho branded the Hammers’ style of play as “football from the 19th century”.
That point left West Ham 18th in the Premier League, but this season, Sam Allardyce’s side head to Chelsea in fourth place and have won four of their last five games.
“I think that this game on Boxing Day and this season is so different because we have many combinations and possibilities to attack – our football is different,” West Ham goalkeeper Adrian told London Evening Standard.
“Of course, we are away from home and we still need to be resolute but this time we have attacking ¬players, we are fourth in the Premier League.
“This time we will go there and attack Chelsea. Why not? We want to get three points.
“This season we have different players and we have been able to play with more freedom. It is good because we have plan A, B or C. That is good for the team and the manager.”
James Tomkins is West Ham only injury doubt due to a thigh problem, while Mourinho may opt to recall Oscar after resting the Brazilian during Monday’s win at the Britannia Stadium.
Chelsea are currently three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and Mourinho insists his side can continue to keep the pace.
“I feel we can do it,” the Chelsea boss told BT Sport. “We are ready to do it. We have prepared ourselves. We really believe that we are going to do it.
“At the same time, feet on the ground. You have to understand the country where we play. The level of competition makes things more difficult than everywhere else.
“At the same time it’s more beautiful because every point is a point, every game is a game and every weekend is a weekend and emotions from the beginning till the end.
“We are title contenders. We are one of the best teams. We are the team that plays better football and obviously big opponents, but we are title contenders.”
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