Prediction: Chelsea vs West Ham

Verdict: Christian Pulisic to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

After having to settle for a point out in Spain on Wednesday evening, Chelsea will look to pick up three crucial Premier League points when they host London rivals West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, putting in another action-packed display out in Spain on Wednesday and leaving Valencia with a 2-2 draw, Chelsea know that they will have to wait until the final group games if they’re to secure a spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League. Lucky to leave the Mestalla with a point after watching Kepa Arrizabalaga save Daniel Parejo’s second-half penalty, the Blues have won just one of their last four matches across all competitions and Frank Lampard will be desperate for his side to find some much-needed defensive resolve. Saturday’s hosts have shipped a pair of goals in back-to-back appearances and they have recorded just a single clean sheet in their previous seven matchups. While the former England midfielder may find his side continuing to show some continued issues at the back, the former champions do have one attacking starlet who is enjoying an extended purple patch. Scoring his first European goal for Chelsea in midweek, Christian Pulisic has bagged five Premier League goals in his last four appearances and the winger should be confident of extending on his recent tally this weekend.

Team News

After having to be taken off in the first half out in Spain on Wednesday with a hip injury, striker Tammy Abraham will be unable to feature at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

None of Ross Barkley, Marcos Alonso and Callum Hudson-Odoi were risked to travel to Spain, and it remains to be seen if they’ll be available.

West Ham

As for the visitors, while West Ham may have bagged two late strikes against Tottenham last weekend, the Hammers could only slump to another 3-2 defeat and they are now in the midst of a relegation scrap. Opening the weekend sat down in 17th and the pressure really starting to mount on Head Coach Manuel Pellegrini, they have now been hit with back-to-back 3-2 defeats and have failed to win any of their last eight matches across all competitions. Losing six of those appearances and without a victory since the 22nd of September, there is no doubt that the former Manchester City boss will be most concerned by his side’s continued issues at the back. Shipping nine goals in their last three matchups, no side outside of the relegation zone has shipped more than their 23 goals this season. With the mood around the London Stadium remaining incredibly fragile, the Hammers have also continued to show some glaring struggles outside of East London. Saturday’s guests have recorded just a single away victory this season and they have also failed to find the net in three of their last four matches on their travels.

Team News

After making a string of very public mistakes, David Martin could come in for back-up goalkeeper Roberto this weekend who has endured a woeful debut Premier League run.

Elsewhere, Issa Diop will be suspended for the game on Saturday having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met at Stamford Bridge back in April, Chelsea came away with a 2-0 win.
• Winger Christian Pulisic has five goals in his last four Premier League matchups.
• The Blues have recorded just one clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions.
• West Ham have lost their last three matches on the bounce.
• The Hammers have also shipped a trio of goals in each of those defeats.

Conclusion

On paper, Frank Lampard should see this as a golden opportunity for his side to make a return to winning ways this weekend. With the Hammers so publically dealing with a string of issues at the back and shipping a trio of goals in each of their last three matches on the bounce, Chelsea’s red-hot Christian Pulisic should be confident of extending on his recent purple patch on Saturday afternoon. Finding the net out in Spain in midweek, the USA international has five goals in his last four Premier League matchups and we’re backing the 21-year-old to once again find the net at Stamford Bridge.

Verdict: Christian Pulisic to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Bet365