West Ham United host Chelsea at the London Stadium in a highly anticipated London derby as both clubs look to gain momentum in the Premier League.
The Hammers have struggled for form, managing only one win in their opening four matches, while Chelsea are riding high after securing a last-minute win against Bournemouth last week.
Both teams will be eager for a positive result to keep their season on track.
West Ham’s Struggles
West Ham have had a difficult start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, securing just one win in four games (D1, L2).
Their struggles span back to last season, with only three wins from their last 15 Premier League matches (D5, L7).
Last week’s dramatic 95th-minute equalizer from Danny Ings salvaged a point against Fulham, but pressure is mounting on head coach Julen Lopetegui to turn results around after a £155m summer investment.
The Hammers have been particularly poor defensively at home, failing to keep a clean sheet at the London Stadium since January.
Despite this, Lopetegui boasts a respectable head-to-head record against Chelsea (W2, D1, L2), including a 1-0 victory during his time in charge of Wolves.
However, with their defensive woes and a lack of form, a result against Chelsea seems challenging.
Chelsea’s Progress Under Maresca
Chelsea’s new head coach Enzo Maresca has made a solid start to his tenure, picking up seven points in his first four Premier League matches (W2, D1, L1).
The Blues secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bournemouth last week, extending their run of successive away league victories to four.
If they can secure another win at the London Stadium, Chelsea will achieve five straight away wins for the first time since December 2021.
However, their away form against West Ham has been less than impressive, with Chelsea winning just one of their last seven league visits to the London Stadium (D2, L4).
Defensive frailties have been an issue for Chelsea on the road, with only one clean sheet in their last 18 away league games – which came last week against Bournemouth.
Maresca will need his side to improve defensively if they are to come away with a result.
Key Players to Watch
Danny Ings (West Ham):
Ings scored the dramatic equalizer against Fulham last week, and he remains a threat for the Hammers.
Interestingly, all six of his last Premier League goals have come after halftime, making him a player to watch in the latter stages of the game.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea):
Nkunku has been in fine form for Chelsea, netting the winning goal last week against Bournemouth.
His tally now stands at three goals for the season, and he will be key to Chelsea’s attacking play once again.
Key Stats
– West Ham have failed to keep a home clean sheet since January.
– Chelsea have won four successive away league matches and will be aiming for five in a row for the first time since December 2021.
– Chelsea’s last 18 away league games have averaged four goals per game.
– West Ham have won just three of their last 15 Premier League matches (D5, L7).
Potential Lineups:
West Ham: 4-2-3-1 Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio.
Chelsea; 4-2-3-1 Sanchez; Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Score Prediction: West Ham 1-4 Chelsea
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1
United States: USA Network, NBC.com
Canada: Fubo Sports Network
India: Star Sports Network
China: iQiyi, Migu, QQ Sports Live
Australia: Optus Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion :
Both West Ham and Chelsea will be desperate for a win to build some consistency in the early stages of the Premier League season.
While West Ham’s defense has struggled, their ability to score late in games, as demonstrated by Danny Ings, could pose a challenge for Chelsea’s defense.
On the other hand, Chelsea will need to remain focused in attack and solid at the back if they are to extend their run of away victories.
This London derby promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair.
