The Hammers have scored the most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season, 15, which makes up 28 per cent of their overall total goals. That is three more scored than any other team. Chelsea have 11 dead-ball-derived goals to our name.In another count, West Ham have scored more headed goals than any other Premier League side this term, having netted that way 12 times.‘We have to match up physically and the best thing to defend set pieces is to not give set-pieces away, it is to not produce fouls around the box, to not give corners away,’ Tuchel points out as he targets what would be a 16th clean sheet in 21 games in charge if we can keep the Hammers at bay.

‘So the best thing is to have the ball in the opponents’ half and play a very high-quality counter-pressing with everybody well aware of the spaces we need to close while we are attacking,’ he continues.‘This will be the target for today, to not be under too much pressure with set-pieces but if there are set-pieces, we need to be ready for that physically and mentally, which we normally are.

Oppo unaffected

‘West Ham rely on being stronger as a group and they defend very compact. We expect them again in a back five, with maybe two sixes, one 10 and two strikers. This is the most likely set-up and it is very difficult to create chances.

‘We have to do it much better than we did against Brighton, this is very clear, but from the solidarity that they have in defending, they want to catch you on counter-attacks where they are very strong, and on set-pieces, in which they are very strong, but we have the same bond, we have the same strong group, we have the same momentum.

‘Even if we have a draw to accept against Brighton, we arrive with confidence, we are well aware of what we can produce, but everybody knows we need a top performance today. It is a direct duel and we want to make our mark. We arrive to win but we know that it is going to be very difficult.’

While Chelsea dropped two points in our last outing, West Ham let slip three when they lost at Newcastle. Tuchel is not expected the Irons to be unduly dented by that.‘If they look at our last performance, they will maybe say we have a chance to beat them. We don’t only judge the last performances of teams, we look at two, three, four games and if you look at that it was a surprising defeat for them. It was a lot of bad luck and some individual mistakes, an own-goal and a red card, so no big drama like their coach said and I agree with him.‘I don’t think they have doubts about their quality and when I see them play, I see a very structured and a very disciplined team.’