In a highly anticipated Premier League encounter, the London Stadium will witness a London derby that has fans on the edge of their seats – David Moyes West Ham taking on Mauricio Pochettino’s new and improved Chelsea.

This is the 121st time both clubs go head to head in the East vs West London saga that goes back a hundred years. As the two sides square off, injuries in key positions could potentially sway the outcome of this crucial fixture.

Form and Momentum :

Chelsea, under the guidance of their astute manager Mauricio Pochettino, have been showcasing attacking flair, midfield dominance, coupled with defensive resilience.

This was obvious in the game last week Sunday against Liverpool at Stamford bridge where Chelsea outperformed Liverpool but were unlucky to clinch the winning goal, and with the additions of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia who could make their debuts, confidence will certainly be very high in West London.

West Ham, on the other hand, are still trying to adapt to life without their star man Declan Rice, they were denied maximum points last week against Bournemouth due to a late equalizer.

Injury Woes :

Injury concerns loom heavily over Chelsea, which might impact their game plans. Chelsea’s attack and defense could see a significant absence due to the absence of key players like Nkunku, who is currently undergoing the early stages of rehabilitation after his knee surgery and will be out potentially till January.

Reece James also picked up a hamstring injury in the clash against Liverpool last Sunday and will be out for close to a month.

These absences will potentially reshape the dynamics of the game.

The Battle in Midfield :

The midfield battle will be a focal point, especially given Chelsea’s style of play that involves creative build-up through the center.

West Ham’s midfield engine, known for its work rate and timely interceptions, will aim to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm and dictate the tempo themselves.

James Ward Prowse and Edson Alvarez will look to upset a midfield which will likely consist of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and one of Conor Gallagher or Carney Chukweumeka, before Romeo Lavia comes off the bench.

Defensive showdown :

Despite injuries, both teams boast sturdy defences that can put up a resilient front.

Chelsea’s disciplined backline and West Ham’s solid defensive structure could create a scenario where goals are at a premium.

Set pieces could prove crucial in such tight matches, adding an extra dimension to the tactical planning, meaning Axel Disasi could get another start following his promising display against Liverpool.

Key players :

Individual brilliance often defines such matches, and both teams have players capable of stepping up.

Jarrod Bowen netted for the Hammers last week just 66 days after scoring the winner for them in the UEFA Conference League final, he will be one to look out for.

Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson is set to start again for the Blues after playing a full 90 minutes last week, half of his 8 goals for Villarreal last season were match openers.

Enzo Fernandez put up arguably the best midfield display for the whole game week 1 last Sunday with his line breaking passes and ability to control the tempo of the game coming in handy last week and will do again for Chelsea in the clash on Sunday.

Managerial strategies:

Tactics will play a significant role in determining the outcome, as both managers strategize to counter their opponent’s strengths.

Chelsea’s manager, adept at adapting tactics mid-game, will seek to exploit West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities.

West Ham’s manager, hailed for his pragmatic approach, might set his team up to capitalize on counter-attacks and set pieces.

It is important to note that, the five meetings between Moyes and Pochettino have all produced under 2.5 total goals (0.8 per game).

The Prediction :

With injuries potentially shifting the balance, predicting the outcome becomes even more challenging.

This match could be a hard-fought draw or a closely contested affair with a single moment of brilliance deciding the result, which is why I will go for a 2-1 win for Chelsea.

In any case, West Ham vs. Chelsea promises to be a showcase of tactical prowess and footballing spirit. Fans will witness a clash of ambitions as these two sides battle for supremacy, with the potential for unexpected heroes and memorable moments that define the essence of the Premier League.