West Ham handed their hopes of avoiding relegation a major boost last weekend with a 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Southampton, pushing the Hammers five points above the drop zone.
David Moyes’ side know their work is far from over though ahead of a difficult finale to the Premier League campaign, which starts with a trip to face a struggling Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Hammers have a poor record in their travels across the capital to west London, whilst Moyes himself has not won any of his 14 trips to Stamford Bridge as a visiting manager, but the Blues are enduring their own difficulties.
West Ham will still have to be at their best to get a result and could be boosted by the inclusion of Edimilson Fernandes, who made his return from injury off the bench against the Saints and is now targeting a starting position against Chelsea.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Fernandes said:
“It was a good return for me and a good match for the whole team and I just hope we can continue like that. After four months, it was a big pleasure to return in a good match like that. It was class. I was just pleased to be back on the pitch. It was a good performance from the team and I feel strong, which I am happy about.”
“It was difficult to be out for so long, physically and psychologically, not playing and not training on the pitch alongside my teammates, so that’s why I was so eager to return and why it is so good to be back.”
“Chelsea is a good game and I am hoping we can play well again, like we did against Southampton in our last match. I am also hoping I can be involved again and that, if I am, I do not perform badly as this is another important match for the team, just like the previous one.”
“Chelsea have some big players and I prefer to test myself against the best, which is normal for any professional player, and I am hoping I can play well against them.”
The 21-year-old has been restricted to just eight Premier League appearances this season, five of which have been as a starter.
