Chelsea's Samuel Eto’o is the man West Ham should fear the most

Samuel Eto’o celebrates with David Luiz

Jose Mourinho’s decision to include Samuel Eto’o in his starting line-up against Manchester United last Sunday surprised many, but the wily Blues boss was vindicated as the veteran striker hit a hat-trick to end their rivals slim title hopes.

It may have taken Eto’o time to settle into life at Chelsea after his move from Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer, but he clearly feels at home at Stamford Bridge; with all six of his Premier League goals coming at home.

His tally of six goals is enough to make the 32-year-old Chelsea’s second highest league goal scorer behind Eden Hazard. It is also worth pointing out that his six goals have come in just six league starts and includes four goals in his last two games.

His recent run of form is an ominous sign for Sam Allardyce whose struggling West Ham side make the short trip across London to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Eto’o now has more league goals than both Demba Ba and Fernando Torres combined and the four times African Footballer of the Year will be looking to establish himself as Mourinho’s number one striker in the absence of Torres.

Mourinho stuck with Eto’o for the FA Cup tie against Stoke City and although he failed to score before being replaced by Ba in the 85th minute, he will feel he did enough to convince his manager to continue with him.

Samuel Eto’o Key Stats vs Man Utd

The hat-trick against United last Sunday could be seen as a turning point in the season for Eto’o, he was constant thorn in the side of the Reds back four and although his opener may have taken a fortunate deflection, the next two goals showed the Cameroon international at his predatory best.

Eto’o found the target and the back of the net with all three of his attempts on goal against United and the former Barcelona striker has a respectable shot accuracy of 64% from his 12 appearances this season.

With Chelsea hosting a Hammers side who have shipped 18 goals in their last five games in all competitions, Eto’o must be hopeful of adding to his rapidly growing goal count. Whether or not Mourinho will give him the chance remains to be seen, the Blues manager seems keen to rotate his strikers and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he gave Ba an opportunity against his former club.