The Premier League’s latest London derby sees West Ham United take on Chelsea at the London Stadium. Both teams have had a mixed start to the season and will be eager to secure all three points in this thrilling encounter.
Hammers Struggling to Find Their Rhythm
West Ham have been in a rut, managing just one win from their opening four league games (D1, L2). Despite investing around £155 million on nine summer signings, they haven’t found the spark they need. Their 1-1 draw against Fulham last weekend was disappointing, salvaged only by a 95th-minute equalizer.
Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers’ manager, is feeling the heat. An English publication recently compared West Ham to a “rally car being driven by a pensioner,” highlighting the slow start under Lopetegui’s guidance. If there’s a silver lining, it’s his respectable head-to-head record against Chelsea (W2, D1, L2), including a 1-0 win with Wolves in the only Premier League H2H. However, with West Ham failing to keep a clean sheet at home since January, a repeat result seems unlikely.
Chelsea’s Road to Redemption
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has shown signs of improvement, picking up seven points from their first four league matches (W2, D1, L1). They come into this game off the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bournemouth, securing their fourth consecutive away win in the Premier League. Not since December 2021 have they managed five successive top-flight away wins.
However, Chelsea’s away form against West Ham could have been better, with just one win from their last seven trips (D2, L4). Despite this, the Blues will be buoyed by their recent performances and hope to break that trend.
Players to Watch
For West Ham, Danny Ings remains a crucial player. After almost leaving the club in the summer, he repaid his manager’s faith by scoring against Fulham. Intriguingly, his last six Premier League goals have all come after halftime, making him a dangerous second-half threat.
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku is another player to watch. He’s been in fine form, scoring his third goal of the season last weekend, each of which has opened the scoring for the Blues. His clinical finishing could be crucial in a game that acceptable margins might decide.
Prediction: A Tight Contest on the Cards
Given both teams’ form, this game promises to be a tightly contested affair. West Ham will be desperate to kickstart their season, but their defensive frailties at home could be their undoing. On the other hand, Chelsea’s recent away form and Nkunku’s sharpness in front of goal give them a slight edge.
Predicted Score: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea’s away streak could continue, but it won’t be without a fight from the Hammers.
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Conclusion
As the Premier League heats up, this London clash between West Ham and Chelsea is one to watch. With both teams eager to claim victory, it is an enthralling encounter filled with drama and excitement. Will Chelsea maintain their winning run, or can West Ham turn their fortunes around?
Stay tuned, and may the best team win!