Prediction: West Ham United vs Chelsea

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from defeat when they entertain West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. We make our prediction on the Premier League clash.

Chelsea

After last week’s 3-1 loss Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea are now 11 points off the top four, and Champions League qualification looks very unlikely. It seems inevitable that manager Antonio Conte will leave the Blues at the end of the season. Not only has their title defence been incredibly feeble, but the Italian’s tactics have been sussed out by other managers, and they look a shadow of the team from last year. Conte’s disagreements with the board and members of his playing squad have also had a huge detrimental effect on the club. However, the 48-year-old still has a reputation to protect, and he will want to avoid a complete meltdown if he’s to secure another high-profile position after leaving Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge this season, the London club have won nine of their last 12 matches, and they haven’t lost in 11 home Premier League games against West Ham. However, they’ll be wary of the fact they’ve conceded seven goals in their previous four games.

Team News

Keeper Thibaut Courtois could make his return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Pedro could also make his comeback, but David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu are out.

West Ham

Last week’s 3-0 victory over Southampton was vital in West Ham’s relegation battle and helped move them five points clear of the bottom three. Even though David Moyes’ men have a little breathing space, survival is by no means guaranteed just yet, and they’ve got a whole bunch of tricky fixtures just around the corner. In their last seven games, the Hammers have to face Arsenal, Manchester City, Leicester City, Manchester United, and Everton. West Ham will be able to take heart from the fact they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier on in the season, but their away record is a concern. It is now three losses on the bounce, 37 goals conceded, and just two clean sheets kept on their travels this campaign. Moyes has managed to inject more of an attacking philosophy into the Hammers since his arrival, with a goal scored in each of the last eight games, and it could result in an entertaining game on Sunday.

Team News

Manuel Lanzini could miss out again due to his ongoing knee problem.

Defender James Collins is a doubt with a hamstring injury, and a similar problem is the reason Michail Antonio may miss the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez is available after recovering from illness.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chelsea have lost five of their last seven Premier League games (W2)
• David Moyes has won none of his 14 away league matches against the Blues (D6 L8)
• Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 Premier League games against West Ham (W8 D3)
• The Hammers have lost all three of their league matches played on a Sunday this season
• West Ham have tasted defeat in their last three away games

Conclusion

Chelsea have a decent record at Stamford Bridge this season, but they have looked vulnerable in defence of late. Meanwhile, West Ham have struggled to keep a clean sheet on the road this season. It could result in an entertaining game with plenty of goals.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet 365