Chelsea host West Ham at Stamford Bridge in the race for European qualification.
Victory could see Chelsea go seventh until at least Monday evening, whilst West Ham can leapfrog their hosts into eighth with a win.
Team News
Christopher Nkunku is set to return for Chelsea after a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Levi Colwill (toe) and Raheem Sterling (back) could also be in contention for selection.
Robert Sanchez (illness), Axel Disasi (unspecified), Malo Gusto, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka (all knee), Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu (both hamstring), Thiago Silva, Enzo Fernandez (both groin) Wesley Fofana (ACL) and Romeo Lavia (thigh) remain ruled out.
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend.
Konstantinos Mavropanos (knock) and George Earthy (concussion) are doubts but Nayef Aguerd (shoulder) remains ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 5 May at 2pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have claimed seven points in their last five league meetings against West Ham (W2, D1, L2).
- West Ham have won one of their last five visits to Chelsea (W1, L4).
- Chelsea have kept clean sheets in two of their last three home meetings against West Ham.
- Chelsea have lost one of five London derbies at home this season (W3, D1, L1).
- West Ham have won two of five London derbies away from home this season (W2, L3).
Prediction
Despite their inconsistency, Chelsea do look a much stronger team at home which was evident in their clinical win over Tottenham on Thursday, especially in a game where neither team looked convincing in their chance creation within open play.
West Ham meanwhile produced a fearless display in their draw against Liverpool aside from two sloppy defensive moments which were punished, but they will need more of the same albeit with better defending if want to keep their European dreams alive.
This clash therefore feels like a must-win because defeat would certainly be a huge blow for both teams’ chances of playing in Europe next season, so I do expect a proper open battle which could well result in a draw.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 West Ham
Result: Chelsea 5-0 West Ham
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