Cheik Kouyate has made it clear that fearless West Ham are ready to take Chelsea on this Boxing Day on equal terms.

The Senegal midfielder has issued a rallying call to the Irons squad declaring: “We’ve nothing to lose at Chelsea because we’re playing the best team in the league, in the country.

“We’ll go there with nothing to lose and without fear. If we’re fearful, we’re better off staying at home! This is football and we shouldn’t forget it, we’ve got to enjoy it and we’re going there to do just that.

We deserve to be fourth, we’ve worked hard throughout the season and done everything to keep this place.

Kouyate believes the Hammers can rely on Alex Song to keep everyone focused declaring: “He calms the game down. To have someone with his experience, who knows how to keep the ball and calm the game is a bonus for us, particularly for me as I’m learning plenty by his side. It’s good for the team. 

“We deserve to be fourth, we’ve worked hard throughout the season and done everything to keep this place.