West Ham United and Chelsea meet in their first battle of the new Premier League season at the London Stadium on Friday night.
The two teams had miserable opening weekends as West Ham were thrashed 3-0 by newly promoted Sunderland, with the Blues being only able to get a goalless draw at home by relegated team Crystal Palace. Both teams can ill-afford another falter with pressure on both Graham Potter and West Ham particularly increasing.
Match Preview
West Ham had the worst possible beginning when they lost a humiliating score-line at the hands of Sunderland showing once again the weaknesses in defence and coherency in tactical approach. Betting for the Hammers to be involved in the battle to avoid relegation is already shortening with Potter leading his new men looking far flung after a dismal end to the last campaign.
A reaction will be expected in the London Stadium, but Chelsea are hardly ideal opponents. The Blues have won the three most recent encounters between the sides (an aggregate of 10 goals), and will be looking to break Dundalks 11 match unbeaten run. An equally bad home record is a worry to West Ham as well; they amassed only 20 points as a home side in their 2016-2017 season and are still win less in their last five matches at home.
Chelsea, in turn, mis-performed against Palace. After summer investment and a lot of anticipation of success after an improving season in Europe last term, Enzo Maresca left this incomplete and his team lacked edge and sharpness and could not trouble Dean Henderson until the 89 th minute. They have vowed to avert consecutive nils to open up a league season for the first time since 1995-96.
The away form of the Blues last year is not a bad one either as they won 8 matches, only Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal having done better. Concerns have been raised however as to whether their new, top dollar signings will perform week in week out in the Premier League.
Team News
West Ham United
A full debut may be given to Callum Wilson who was initially brought on as a substitute in last weekend game.
Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez have been pushing to start in the midfield following their failure in the attempt to use Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse last week.
Crysencio Summerville is still not available, so Jarrod Bowen has to take much of the heat at the front.
Possible line-up: Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Alvarez, Soucek, Diouf; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta
Chelsea
Levi Colwill is not yet fit as are Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Wesley Fofana remains unfully fit, so Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah should keep starting in the central defence, at least until Fofana gets in shape.
Nicolas Jackson will be able to play after suspension, but Joao Pedro will start as he has a six-goal career record against the West Ham.
Romeo Lavia is out with another setback.
Possible line-up: Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Estevao; Joao Pedro
Key Match Statistics
- West Ham were ranked with the fourth-lowest home form of any side in the league in 2021-22 (20 points).
- The Hammers are on a five game losing streak in the home games (D3, L2).
- The opponents have not managed to clean sheets just in one of the last 12 games.
- The previous three matches have ended up with 2-1, 3-0 and 5-0 wins in favor of Chelsea.
- The last success of the West Ham team against the opponents was in August 2023 at London Stadium (3-1).
- Chelsea scored eight away league wins last season, which is the third-best in the division.
Prediction
This is an attacking game with most games featuring goals and this game should not be the exception given the fact that both sides badly need a win. West Ham will be keen to recover after the debacle at Sunderland and Chelsea will want to get their attacking grooves back soon.
Chelsea currently have a superior squad and a recent head-to-head record and these two factors should give them the edge in this contest.
Betting Tips
- The two teams are weak at the back and 80 percent of their last five closes have yielded three or more goals.
- The Spaniard is keen on going forward but his defensive position is usually compromised. He was booked 10 times and sent off once last season and he has been shown the yellow card thrice in seven appearances against the Hammers.
Bet Builder Tip: company
- The two teams get 2 or more cards
- Niclas Füllkrug to commit 2+ fouls
- To get Reece James to commit 1+ foul
