West Ham United host Chelsea at the London Stadium in a London derby.
Having both been held to draws on the opening weekend, victory would see West Ham or Chelsea climb into the top six.
Team News
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, as midfielder, James Ward-Prowse looks to make his club debut after he joined from Southampton this week.
Chelsea could hand debuts to new signings, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia following their moves from Brighton and Southampton respectively.
Reece James is ruled out with a hamstring injury and unlikely to return before September’s international break.
Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified), Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja (both knee), Benoit Badiashile (groin), Trevoh Chalobah (Achilles) and Wesley Fofa (ACL) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
West Ham host Chelsea at London Stadium in a 4:30pm BST kick-off on Sunday 20 August, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- West Ham have won just one of their last six meetings against Chelsea (W1, D1, L4).
- Chelsea have won just one of their last six trips to West Ham (W1, D2, L3).
- David Moyes’ Hammers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches at home against Chelsea (W2, D1, L1).
- West Ham have taken the lead in two of their last three home matches (W2, L1), only failing to do so in a comeback 3-1 win against Leeds in May.
- Chelsea have won just two of their last 11 domestic top-flight away matches (W2, D3, L6).
Prediction
After being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, West Ham should be up for this clash because they played well attack wise but were just resiliently kept out for much of the game, whilst their defence were excellent until a sloppy clearance was duly punished.
Chelsea meanwhile looked more solid in their draw against Liverpool last weekend than they were for much of last season, yet they did lack end product amidst their strong intensity and pressing so I would like to see a more solid performance in East London.
This match also could offer a first look at Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo together in defensive midfield, because those two together should solidfy the Blues’ midfield whilst allowing the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling to attack more.
Patience however is a virtue for Chelsea fans because this team is still gelling and Caicedo will need some time to settle in alongside Fernandez, but there are positive foundations to build upon coming into this match.
Focusing on the match at hand, I can see West Ham trying to play on the front foot like they did at Bournemouth but they will need to be aware of Chelsea’s pressing and pace, which should make for a competitive game and a draw might be a fair result.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea
Result: West Ham 3-1 Chelsea
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