Premier League Preview: West Ham United vs Chelsea - Analysis and Insights

West Ham play their third London derby in five Premier League gameweeks on Saturday as an improving Chelsea side visit the London stadium.

Playing at West Ham has become a bit of a bogey fixture for Chelsea in recent times, and they have won just one of their last six games on the Hammers’ home turf.

A late goal from Yarmolenko stunned Chelsea on this day in 2020 ⚒️#WHUFC | @Heineken_UK pic.twitter.com/LMIVNQXVyR
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 1, 2024

However, their most recent reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge was a 5-0 victory at the back end of last season, and with the squad improving rapidly and adapting to Enzo Maresca’s vision with each game, they will be hopeful of taking three points back to West London.

As the game approaches, we take a closer look at both sides, investigating strategies, team news, key players, and absences that could affect the outcome of the game.

West Ham vs Chelsea Standings

Despite having one of the Premier League’s standout transfer windows, West Ham have had a sluggish start to the campaign. Bringing in nine players over the course of the summer, and spending over £160 million in the process, West Ham were expected to impress early on with their improved squad depth.

However, early fixtures against champions Manchester City and Champions league side Aston Villa put paid to any hopes of a strong start, and the Hammer’s have had to make do with a 1-0 win against Bournemouth and a 1-1 draw last time out against Fulham, thanks to a Danny Ings equalizer in the fifth minute of added time.

Saved by Danny Ings

Not a commonly-used phrase these days. pic.twitter.com/BkwVHJowcu
— COYIRONS ⚒⚒⚒ (@COYIRONS) September 15, 2024

Sitting in 14th after four games, West Ham will be looking ahead to their fixtures coming up after the Chelsea game, with winnable games against Brentford, Ipswich, Nottingham Forest and Everton all in the next seven Premier League weeks.

Chelsea had an even busier transfer window than West Ham, purchasing 12 players and spending almost £240 million. However, in dispensing £155 million worth of “deadwood” players, Chelsea’s net spend of £83.4 million is considerably lower than a number of other sides.

In a comparatively quick start compared to last season, Chelsea currently lie in 8th place with seven points, an improvement on their four point tally at this stage last season which saw them in 12th.

Losing to the reigning champions Man City on the opening day, Chelsea have since looked good, impressing most in their remarkable 6-2 win away to Wolves.

Looking ahead to Saturday. 🔜⚽️ pic.twitter.com/iJhXBf3OA6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 18, 2024

A home draw to Crystal Palace did raise questions about whether it would be a similar story to last season, but a gritty win away to Bournemouth courtesy of Christopher Nkunku’s late winner has been cause of careful optimism. Good teams find a way to win when playing badly.

With a tough run of fixtures coming up, including the likes of Brighton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal, Chelsea will want to make the most of facing mid-table teams like West Ham, and if they were to pick up a win here, their confidence going into these tougher games will only grow.

West Ham vs Chelsea Recent Meetings

05/05/2024: Chelsea 5-0 West Ham.
20/08/2023: West Ham 3-1 Chelsea.
11/02/2023: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea.
03/09/2022: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham.
24/04/2022: Chelsea 1-0 West Ham.

West Ham vs Chelsea Team News

With the squad bolstered over the summer, West Ham’s two injuries should be relatively easy to cover. However, one of their absentees is former Chelsea man Emerson Palmieri, their starting left back. With the only cover in this position being 34 year old Aaron Cresswell, Chelsea will likely target this area of the field, particularly with right winger Noni Madueke in such fine form.

Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug is currently being assessed for a lower leg injury, but there is a chance he recovers sufficiently to make the squad on Saturday.

Chelsea also have a problem at the back, with both right backs Reece James and Malo Gusto missing through thigh injuries. Last game, Axel Disasi covered the position but failed to impress, but with limited options on that side, Chelsea may need to place their faith in the Frenchman once again.

Romeo Lavia is also out with a thigh injury, while Enzo Fernandez and Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall both missed Bournemouth with an illness, and will likely travel with the squad to the London stadium.

West Ham vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups

West Ham (4-2-3-1): Areola (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Cresswell, Alvarez, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Antonio.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez (GK), Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson.

West Ham vs Chelsea Player to Watch

Following a classy debut after coming on at half time against Bournemouth, it seems like the Jadon Sancho of old will finally begin to grace the Premier League. Leaving the apparent shackles of Manchester United behind, the Englishman was electric on the left flank, taking on defenders who faced off against him, and more often than not beating them.

He even provided the assist for Nkunku’s late winner to cap off a superb start to his Chelsea career. The move may have seemed like a gamble for Chelsea, who only forced the loan transfer through on deadline day, but the early signs indicate that it may have paid off.

Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku combined for @ChelseaFC's winner at Bournemouth!

Time for that celebration again... 🎈 pic.twitter.com/uw18Wj1v2H
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 17, 2024

The loan move will be made permanent if Chelsea finish 14th or above, something that seems likely given early season form, and should Sancho continue to perform at the level he was renowned for at Borussia Dortmund, the £20 million buyout clause will suddenly look like the bargain of the century.

Where can I watch West Ham vs Chelsea?

The game will not be broadcasted on UK television, but text commentary will be available on BBC Sport, as well as on any live sports app of your choosing, such as Sofascore or Goal live.