Prediction: West Ham United vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea to lead at half-time and full-time
Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: William Hill

David Moyes’ West Ham United will be pushing to clamber out of the relegation zone on Saturday afternoon as London rivals and Premier League champions Chelsea travel to the London Stadium. The Blues meanwhile will be aiming to cut the gap to Manchester City at the top of the league.

West Ham United

Despite a slight up-turn in David Moyes’ first home game in charge of the Hammers, with a 1-1 draw with in-form Leicester City, things haven’t been particularly rosy for the Londoners in recent weeks. The team currently slumped in 19th in the Premier League table, have not won any of their last eight games in league play, their last victory coming in the form of a 1-0 win over Swansea City in October. As a matter of fact, Moyes’ troops have only picked up a solitary point out of the last 15 available, hence their lowly position. If they do not manage to beat Chelsea, it will be the first time that they have gone nine without a win in the Premier League since 2009. They have not won back-to-back games since January and lost 2-1 to Manchester City last time out.

If they are to start picking up more points, a lot of things will have to improve. Having conceded 32 goals in only 15 games, the Hammers possess the worst defence in the entirety of the top flight of English football. Their statistics in the attacking sense do not make for much better reading however. Only Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Swansea have scored fewer than the Hammers’ 13.

Team News

Moyes can find comfort in the fact he could welcome a few key players back into the fold for the visit of the Blues. Javier Hernandez could be back in contention, whilst the likes of Michail Antonio and Winston Reid are expected to be available. Sam Byram could also return from a thigh strain to play a part. Cheikhou Kouyaté, James Collins, Andy Carroll and José Fonte however remain ruled out. Goalkeeper Adrian could continue in goal in the place of Joe Hart.

Chelsea

The Blues meanwhile head across the capital in a buoyant mood following their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. Antonio Conte’s men have only lost one out of the last twelve games in all competitions. Their defensive record has recently been an eye-catching feature despite the absence of defender David Luiz – they only conceded three goals throughout their last seven matches. In fact, only Manchester City and Manchester United have conceded fewer goals throughout 2017/18 than the champions.

In the Premier League however, the reigning champions have been imperious and have taken an outstanding 19 points out of the last 21 available. Their away form in the league should have West Ham United concerned too. The Blues have only lost two out for their last 16 Premier League clashes away from Stamford Bridge. If they do overcome West Ham on Saturday afternoon, the champions could potentially cut the gap to table-topping Manchester City to eight points.

Team News

Defender David Luiz remains out for the Blues with a knee injury so Andreas Christensen could remain in defence. Danny Drinkwater meanwhile has been ruled out through illness.

Key Facts To Consider

• Chelsea have the better record between the two sides (W49, D20, L39)
• The Blues won the last game at the London Stadium 2-1
• There has only been one 0-0 draw between the two sides in all competitions since 2000
• West Ham currently have the worst defensive record in the Premier League
• The Hammers have not won in the league since October

Conclusion

Whilst Moyes has managed to encourage some signs of recovery against West Ham, it is going to be a huge test against Chelsea. Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata should continue their form against the Hammers at the London Stadium and there should definitely be goals in the contest. Chelsea could come away with an emphatic win here.

Prediction: Chelsea to lead at half-time and full-time
Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: William Hill