Chelsea vs West Ham Prediction

Graham Potter gets set for his return to Stamford Bridge but this time the travelling manager as West Ham make the journey to face rivals Chelsea. Defeated by Manchester City in their last game saw Chelsea drop out of their European football spot and as the season begins to draw even closer to a close, Maresca’s men cannot afford to drop points to their competitors. Their opponents for this game have not enjoyed their Premier league campaign at all, sitting 14th in the table, the Hammers are playing far below their standards although they are a comfortable eleven point gap above the relegation zone.

Key Stats

• Chelsea have managed double the goals West Ham have over their last five matches, with Chelsea scoring 12 to West Ham’s six
• West Ham have not kept a clean sheet in their last six matches
• Chelsea Midfielder Cole Palmer is ranked third for most goal contributions in their Premier League so far this season with 20

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Maresca’s side have endured a pretty awful run of form in their recent Premier League matches. Only managing one win from their last five, the Blues have given the opportunity for Manchester City to catch up and leap frog over them taking their European football spot. Bournemouth are also putting the pressure on Chelsea from below as their unbeaten run has seen them now tied on points with the Blues.

Similarly, the Irons have had the exact same horrid run of form, with only one win from their last five Premier League matches. Their defence has been woeful in the Premier League, with the Hammers unable to keep a clean sheet in their last six attempts and are currently ranked fifth for the most goals conceded so far this season. Graham Potter is hopeful Jarrod Bowen will return ahead of schedule as a foot injury has ruled him out of their last five matches.

Chelsea Preview

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: Sánchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Chalobah, James; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson

Maresca’s side are looking to make it back-to-back wins on home soil after their away day at Manchester City ended in a result they will be looking to forget. Noni Madueke dazzled again for the Blues, with an early goal against Manchester City, the winger takes his goal tally to seven for the season. With no fresh injuries to his side, Maresca will look to field the same side as while the result may not show it, they had a decent performance against the reigning champions.

It has proven to be a great decision to recall Trevor Chalobah from Crystal Palace as the 25 year-old looks set to start his third consecutive game back at Chelsea with injuries for both Wes Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

West Ham Preview

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: Areola; Emerson, Mavropanos, Killman, Wan-Bissaka; Álvarez, Soucek; Soler, Paqueta, Bowen; Kudus

Stamford Bridge could be the stadium in which club captain Jarrod Bowen could return following a foot injury that has seen the English winger out for the last five games. While he is still in doubt, Potter is said to be monitoring him closely with a decision set to be made closer to kick off. His wing partner Crysencio Summerville also remains in doubt after after a hamstring injury has seen him sidelined.

Earning a respectable point away from home against Aston Villa in their last game, Graham Potter is hoping that his side will do him justice on his return to the Bridge.

Head to Head Stats

West Ham welcomed Chelsea to the London Stadium earlier on this season which saw the Blues dominate from start to finish, picking up a 3-0 win over the Irons. Stamford Bridge also has a track record of not be a pleasant stomping ground for West Ham, with their last win coming back in November 2019.

Betting Tips

Chelsea vs West Ham used to be a huge rivalry, but with the Irons underperforming, Chelsea go into this fixture with more confidence. With Jarrod Bowen expected back, West Ham have more of an attacking threat but Chelsea are a much higher quality than their opponents.

For this reason, our betting professionals suggest Chelsea to Win and Both Teams To Score as the best value tip for this game. With odds of 27/20, a bet of £10 could see a return of up to £23.50

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction: Chelsea vs West Ham

Chelsea 3-1 West Ham