Graphic: tactical analysis - frankly amazing

Twice Guus Hiddink has imagined overcoming Barcelona in recent days, but the picture could be a whole lot more nerve-racking when his Chelsea side step out at the Nou Camp tomorrow. Their transformation under his charge may be beyond some fans’ wildest expectations, but time will soon be called on their triumphant dreams unless they can contain the floating and breathtaking runs of Lionel Messi.

José Bosingwa will be tasked with football’s impossible job, in the absence of a suspended Ashley Cole, and in Hiddink’s mind everything has gone perfectly to plan. “You have to play games ahead in your head — and I have never lost one in the build-up,” the interim manager said, with a smile.

For what it is worth, Bosingwa’s preparation for an intriguing duel was coping with Luís Boa Morte, unfortunately no Messi. As comfortable and largely untroubled as the defender was against his Portuguese compatriot on Saturday, the ride is sure to be as bumpy and terrifying as Barcelona seek to expose Bosingwa’s shortcomings in an unfamiliar position. He was withdrawn with stiffness in what was his first match in a month.

“We have to focus a lot on the difficulty and the complexity of the job Bosingwa has to do,” Hiddink said. “He is playing one of the most attractive and efficient players in the world. We need to neutralise him.”

They have tried on four occasions, and when the teams met at Stamford Bridge three years ago, Asier del Horno, the Chelsea left back at the time, was so traumatised by Messi’s twinkling feet that his hectic kick was accompanied by a red card. The danger, perhaps, is focusing too much on an individual. “Even if you double up on him then you neglect the power of the other players and they can harm you,” Hiddink said. “We have to give them something to puzzle about. When you play Manchester United or Liverpool the match is like a pinball machine, but Barcelona can, boom, take up the pace at any second. They slow the pace, so you think you are in control, and then they strike.”

This was not Chelsea’s most fluent performance, nor their most resounding win, but even strolling around in first gear they were in total control, faster in thought and feet all over the pitch. West Ham United were without energy, endeavour, too easily squandered possession, and seemingly stunned and inhibited by fear.

The home crowd’s decision to barrack John Terry and Frank Lampard about their private life, rather than channel their energy into creating an intimidating atmosphere to lift their team, backfired and inspired both former players into imposing performances.

Yet while Lampard’s thrusting run and chip, which Robert Green was guilty of not clawing away, fell for Salomon Kalou to prod in, mistakes in attack and the shaky performance of Petr Cech from set-pieces gave food for thought. The goalkeeper was caught in no man’s land as players crowded his six-yard box from a corner, and John Obi Mikel had to clear off the line from Diego Tristán. He redeemed himself when he used his body to deny Kieron Dyer and saved Mark Noble’s penalty after Kalou had needlessly tugged Hérita Ilunga.

Gianfranco Zola signed a new four-year contract as West Ham manager, which will begin this summer, after the defeat. Injuries have dented their chance of finishing seventh and achieving a place in Europe, but the Italian has his eye on the future. “Don’t be surprised if there are a few signings,” he said. “The ambition is to be competing with the top four or five.”

As for Hiddink’s dream, the Dutchman said: “I will not tell you who scored for us as they will make double coverage on this player!”

West Ham United (4-4-1-1): R Green 5 - L Neill 6, J Tomkins 6, M Upson 6, H Ilunga 5 - L Boa Morte 5, K Dyer 5, M Noble 5, J Stanislas 5 - D Di Michele 5, D Tristán 6. Substitutes: R Kovac 4 (for Di Michele, 61min), F Sears 4 (for Dyer, 61), S Nsereko (for Boa Morte, 72). Not used: J Lastuvka, W López, J Spector, J Payne. Next: Stoke City (a).

Chelsea (4-1-3-2): P Cech 5 - M Mancienne 5, B Ivanovic 7, J Terry 7, J Bosingwa 5 - J O Mikel 6, J Belletti 5, F Lampard 8, F Malouda 6 - S Kalou 5, N Anelka 5. Substitutes: A Cole 5 (for Bosingwa, 58min), M Essien (for Kalou, 73), M Ballack (for Mancienne, 82). Not used: Hilário, F Di Santo, D Drogba, M Stoch. Next: Fulham (h).

Referee: M Dean Attendance: 34,749

Stark needs to stand firm

Wolfgang Stark will need a tough personality when he takes charge of Barcelona against Chelsea tomorrow. The German will remember that Anders Frisk, the Swedish referee, retired after his family received death threats for his officiating of Chelsea’s Champions League game at the Nou Camp in February 2005. After the match against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge a year later, death threats were posted on Chelsea message boards against Terje Hauge, the Norway official. Stark is no stranger to controversy. He awarded three red cards when Barcelona played Celtic in the Uefa Cup in 2004. Thierry Henry’s goal in the 86th minute salvaged a 2-2 draw for Barcelona away to Valencia on Saturday.