Chelsea will be looking to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.
Sam Allardyce has flared up his rivalry with Jose Mourinho after claiming that Chelsea adopt negative tactics away from home in Europe.
As West Ham prepare to host league leaders Chelsea in the Premier League, memories cast back to the encounter between the two teams at Stamford Bridge last season where Jose Mourinho infamously branded Sam Allardyce’s tactics as “football from the 19th century”.
Allardyce enjoyed the comment as he felt that he outwitted the manager many deem as a tactical genius, with his comments seen as a bit hypocritical seeing as Mourinho is known for favouring a more conservative approach.
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The Hammers have been more adventurous at home this season and without the aerial ability of Andy Carroll, the pace of duo Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia will be tasked with causing chaos for the Chelsea back four.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the game, Allardyce was asked about Mourinho’s comments, and the West Ham boss replied.
(via Whufc.com): “You mean playing like he does when they go away to Bayern Munich or Barcelona?”
That’s the way to play when you need a result. You do what you need to do in this game. For me, it’s about us playing to our best and challenging for a result.”
With Mourinho’s press conference yet to take place, the Chelsea boss will no doubt be planning his response to help raise the tension before the London derby.