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CHELSEA FC: Hammers hit between the posts

/noticias.info/ Saturday’s opponents West Ham have matched Chelsea in bringing in a new goalkeeper on a short-term contract.

In contrast to Magnus Hedman’s deal until the end of the season, the Hammers have drafted in Gabor Kiraly on an emergency two-week loan from Crystal Palace.

The Hungarian has been brought in due to injuries to Roy Carroll and Jimmy Walker — and immediately joins Robert Green (who has played the last five games) in the squad for the Stamford Bridge game.

The visitors are hoping to have Anton Ferdinand back in their defence following an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago. His replacement in that time, James Collins, is himself now injured (groin) but striker Bobby Zamora is expected to return from an ankle injury.

West Ham manager Alan Pardew (pictured) believes there will be an undercurrent of personal battles in this latest west v east London derby.

He told West Ham’s official website: ‘There are a couple of former West Ham old boys on the Chelsea team which certainly suggests there will be no complacency from them, but it works both ways.

‘There are a lot of friendships between the two clubs. Carlton [Cole] came from Chelsea to us, so he still knows a fair few people there. Bobby Zamora and John Terry are close friends, while Paul Konchesky and Terry have a family connection.

‘So there is a little bit of local rivalry that will be going on during Saturday's match within these friendships. That can happen in these derby games but it is something that is underplayed at times.

‘They will be staring at each other aggressively in the game because each wants their team to win and have the bragging rights, but come the end of the game, they will be friends again off the pitch.’ notas_de_prensa_archivo