West Ham host Premier League leaders Chelsea at the London Stadium this evening (8pm kick-off) looking to record a fourth league victory of 2017.

Slaven Bilic’s men have won six and drawn three of their last 12 Premier League matches, with their upturn in form absolutely vital as, ahead of those 12 games, the Hammers were 17th in the table and just a point clear of the bottom three.

However, crucial wins over Burnley, Hull, and Swansea over the Christmas period, and then comfortable successes over Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, and Southampton since the turn of the year means that they sit 11th in the division, 11 points clear of danger.

Nonetheless, they will have their work cut out against Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who saw their lead at the top cut to seven points on Sunday after second place Tottenham beat Everton 3-2 at White Hart Lane.

The Blues have won 17 of their last 20 league matches, losing just once, although they have won just one of their last four away league games, having lost at Spurs as well as drawing at Liverpool and Burnley.

That will surely give Bilic’s West Ham confidence ahead of tonight’s encounter, so here are THREE reasons why they will pick up the three points at the London Stadium this evening…

Resurgence in recent months

West Ham were just a point and a place above the bottom three at the start of December following their 5-1 defeat to Arsenal at the London Stadium.

However, since then Bilic’s men have won six and drawn three of their 12 Premier League games, which has seen them fly up the table to the relative safety of 11th, 11 points clear of danger.

They have been more clinical and ruthless going forward but have also looked much better defensively, both home and away.

More importantly, they have played like a team in recent weeks, and when you’ve got the quality they have at the back as well as in forward areas, they will cause sides problems, and that could help them to a surprise win over Chelsea tonight.

Carroll could return

Striker Andy Carroll could return to the West Ham starting line-up this evening after over a month out with injury.

And, if he does, that will be a huge boost to a Hammers side that have been resurgent with the 28-year-old leading the line.

The England international has scored six goals in his 11 Premier League appearances since returning from injury in December, including a brace in the win at Middlesbrough, as well as a stunning volley in the 3-0 triumph over Crystal Palace in January.

However, Carroll has missed their last two league games to a groin injury, yet if he does return against the Blues tonight, it will give the whole club a massive boost, and one that could take them to three points.

Already beaten the Blues this term

Chelsea have lost just twice in all competitions since their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal back on September 24, and one of those losses came at the hands of West Ham in the League Cup.

Bilic’s men produced an excellent display to see off Conte’s men 2-1 at the London Stadium, with goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Edimilson Fernandes enough to see the Hammers progress to the fifth round.

Although Blues boss Conte did make several changes to his side, it’s a win that will still give West Ham huge amounts of confidence going into this evening’s game, in the same way that it will serve as a reminder to Chelsea about the Hammers’ capabilities at both ends of the pitch.

Drawing on that experience in October will be crucial for West Ham if they are to get all three points this evening.