West Ham United to benefit over Premier League rivals as new stat emerges
According to a new stat shared by talkSPORT, West Ham will benefit from 247 hours of rest in total between their Christmas fixtures in Premier League game weeks 18, 19 and 20.
The stat, shared via their website on 19 December, shows Brighton at the top of the table with 287.5 hours of rest, with the Hammers just behind them with 247 to get the players rested and recuperated between games.
On the other side of the scale, London rivals Chelsea will have just 143.5 hours of total recovery time, over 100 hours less than the Hammers, which could lead to further injury issues for the Blues.
David Moyes’ side already have the fewest injuries in the Premier League according to injury expert Ben Dinnery [via Premier Injuries], with Michail Antonio the only long-term absentee and the additional rest between games should mean they keep their impressive injury record going.
The Hammers have been fortunate with regard to injuries since the start of the season, not suffering the same fate as many with the rate of injuries rising, and the extra-long time off to recover after games will only assist in that department.
It is an interesting observation that West Ham and Brighton will receive the most minutes of rest, while both clubs are still competing in the Europa League – a tournament which is notorious for causing fixture congestion and injury issues over the course of a season.
Whether there is any greater plan regarding the length of time off given to clubs is unknown, but the Hammers will be grateful for benefiting nonetheless. Chelsea, though, will be far from happy as they may risk further injuries due to congestion.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers wonder may finally sign a new deal after what Moyes said.