Prediction: Chelsea vs West Ham

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re into the final few weeks of the Premier League season and things are really starting to heat up at both ends of the table. The title race is as close as it’s been in years, the relegation scrap is still wide open and all 20 clubs want to make a statement before the campaign draws to a close. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be an intense clash between two sides fighting for the top four – Chelsea and West Ham United.

Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel has endured some tough times as Chelsea boss this season, from the Abramovich saga to the disappointing exit in the Champions League. Still, they need to remain focused because they have two primary objectives between now and the final game – win the FA Cup and stay in the top four. If they can manage that, the Blues will be satisfied heading into the summer.

Team News

Kovacic, Chilwell, Hudson-Odoi and Rudiger are all out through injury with Barkley and Christensen currently being listed as fitness doubts.

West Ham

West Ham United should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved so far this season with a Europa League semi-final appearance to go alongside another strong showing in the Premier League. David Moyes has worked wonders for the club and there’s every chance they could end the campaign with a UCL berth and a piece of silverware in their trophy cabinet – unthinkable just a few years ago.

Team News

Zouma, Diop and Ogbonna are all injured which leaves the visitors with a dilemma given that Dawson is their only fit centre-back.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting in December, West Ham beat Chelsea 3-2.
• Chelsea have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• West Ham have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 15 goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.
• West Ham have scored eight goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

We expect to see some trepidation within the hosts if they don’t score within the first 15 minutes, and against a tough West Ham side we’d say it’s likely they don’t. The Hammers will attempt to bully them off the ball and hit them on the counter but it doesn’t feel like that’s going to be overly successful given the speed that the Blues possess. In the end, they’ll share the spoils in a fun 1-1 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: 888sport