Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With London bragging rights up for grabs on Monday night, Chelsea will welcome West Ham to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have clinched a much-welcomed 3-1 victory against relegation scrappers Wolves on January 20th, the Blues came crashing back down to earth last weekend. Eventually falling to a 3-1 loss at the hands of Manchester City, it is no secret that Enzo Maresca’s side are seeking some recent stability. Although the former Leicester boss might have his sights firmly set on snatching a lucrative Champions League return this season, Chelsea have recorded just a single win from any of their previous seven Premier League appearances. With their shock title dreams already taking a clinical blow, Monday’s hosts will also know the importance of finding some defensive steel. Getting the New Year underway with a 1-1 stalemate away at Crystal Palace, the Blues have failed to notch a single Premier League clean sheet since December 22nd.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea confirmed last month that French defender Wesley Fofana will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a long-term hamstring injury. Likewise, suffering another injury setback last month, the Blues will be unable to call upon former Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia this weekend.
Recording 20 direct Premier League goal contributions this season in just his 23 top-flight appearances, England international Cole Palmer will play a leading role here. Recalled from his stint away at Crystal Palace, Trevor Chalobah will start at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.
West Ham
As for the visitors, while Graham Potter might have only arrived at West Ham last month, it appears that the Hammers are enjoying life under the former Chelsea boss. Although they might have eventually been forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Aston Villa last week, Monday’s guests took plenty of positives away from an eye-catching performance. Getting Potter’s tenure underway with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Fulham on January 14th, West Ham now have their sights set on trying to make up some ground in the top-half chase. Almost sat in Premier League limbo as we open February, the Hammers have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Despite a recent turn in fortunes, Potter will be bracing himself for a tricky return to Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
West Ham Team News
Suffering a long-term hamstring over the festive period, former Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug remains on the sidelines. Likewise, once again missing out away at Villa Park last week, former French defender Jean-Clair Todibo is still a few weeks away from returning.
However, in what could be a huge boost for the Hammers on Monday night, skipper Jarrod Bowen could return to Potter’s squad. Doing a stellar job of leading the line last week, Brazilian ace Lucas Paqueta could once again be deployed in a false nine role in west London.
Chelsea vs West Ham Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and West Ham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 21st, the Blues collected a thumping 3-0 win at the London Stadium.
- In fact, Chelsea have won their last two Premier League meetings against the Hammers by an aggregate score of 8-0.
- The Blues have lost just one other previous six Premier League showdowns against West Ham.
- The Hammers have recorded just two wins from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- Cole Palmer has recorded 20 direct Premier League goal contributions in his 23 top-flight appearances.
Conclusion
Crashing back down to earth last week following a 3-1 loss away at Manchester City, it is no secret that Chelsea are seeking some much-needed stability. Recording just a single win from any of their previous seven Premier League appearances, the Blues will be excited by a dominant record against West Ham. Including a 3-0 romp when they travelled the London Stadium back on September 21st, they have lost just one of their last six Premier League meetings against the Hammers.
Verdict: Cole Palmer to score anytime
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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