Chelsea will look to bounce back after their unexpected loss to Tottenham Hotspur last week at Stamford Bridge. Even though the mood at the Bridge is sombre right now, the players and the manager have to be professional and give it their all to finish the season on a high.
Conte has been strongly linked with a summer exit along with Willian but now is not the time for these individuals to be distracted. West Ham United will come visiting on Sunday and they are on a high after a much-needed 3-0 win over Southampton last weekend. Even though they will be missing the powerhouse Antonio, the Hammers have the necessary ammunition to hurt the Blues if they give their hundred percent.
Without further ado, let us take a look at 3 key battles which will decide the outcome of this London derby-
EDEN HAZARD VS PABLO ZABALETA
Hazard has been inconsistent this season, to put it mildly. The Belgian has the potential to be the best in the world but has to stop cribbing about managerial styles in the middle of every alternate season. On his day, he can make the best of defenders look silly.
And understandably, Zabaleta will have an uphill task on Sunday. Zabaleta is all heart but his age is now coming in the way and especially against the nifty Hazard he has to come up with a flawless display. He will have to be ably supported by Declan Rice, though.
MARKO ARNAUTOVIC VS THOMAS CHRISTENSEN
The Austrian has hit form at the right time and he will be crucial to ensuring that the Hammers have a strong finish to the season. If he gets the right amount of service, he has what it takes to hurt the Chelsea defence, which has lost a bit of sheen this season.
His brace last week will give him confidence heading into this game and the young Christensen will have to be alert and dominant to curtail Arnautovic’s threat.
ANGELO OGBONNA VS ALVARO MORATA
The Spaniard finally got a goal last weekend but the joy was short lived as Spurs came back to make a mockery of a 28-yeard old record in the second half. But Morata will be confident and he will relish a physical battle in the London derby especially in the aerial duels in which he thrives.
Ogbonna has to lead the defence and along with organising the back three, he will have to be on his toes to keep the former Real Madrid man quiet. This will be a feisty battle and certainly one to watch out for.
