Prediction: West Ham vs Chelsea

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With London bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday lunchtime, Chelsea will travel across the capital when they meet West Ham.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, while there might have been plenty of excitement over the summer as Julen Lopetegui arrived at the London Stadium, West Ham have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability. Although the Hammers might have snatched a dramatic last-gasp 1-1 stalemate away at Fulham last weekend, the former Wolves boss has seen his squad muster just a single victory from any of their first four Premier League appearances. Although some around east London are dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge this season, West Ham are desperately seeking some much-needed defensive stability. Heading into September’s fortnight interval with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of defending champions Manchester City, Saturday’s hosts have remarkably now recorded just a single Premier League clean sheet from any of their previous 22 consecutive top-flight matchups – a run that stems all the way back to January 2nd.

Team News

Limping off away at Fulham last weekend, West Ham are sweating over the fitness of former Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri. However, despite missing out away at Craven Cottage, the Hammers remain hopeful that summer recruit and German international Niclas Fullkrug can return to Lopetegui’s squad here.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Fulham last week, midfield talisman Lucas Paqueta should be handed a full recall on Saturday lunchtime. Opening his Premier League account against Crystal Palace last month, Jarrod Bowen will play a leading role in the final third.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while some might have been shocked over the summer as Chelsea appointed Enzo Maresca, the Blues appear to be enjoying life under the former Leicester boss. Marking their return from September’s international break with a late 1-0 victory away at Bournemouth last weekend, they have now collected seven points from their previous three Premier League appearances. Last seen on their travels putting in a rampant performance as they stormed their way to an action-packed 6-2 romp against Wolves, Chelsea will certainly be excited by their most recent showdown against their London rivals. Storming their way to a sensational 5-0 victory when they welcomed West Ham to Stamford Bridge back on May 5th, Maresca’s top-four dreamers will be seeking a repeat performance when they travel across the capital this weekend.

Team News

Suffering a reported injury set-back this week, Reece James will not travel to the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, both still dealing with respective injury issues, the duo of Romeo Lavia and Malo Gutso will not play any part in east London.

While England international Ben Chilwell might have returned to first-team training, the former Leicester starlet is not expected to feature here. Coming off the bench and proving an assists away at Bournemouth last weekend, summer recruit Jadon Sancho could make a first start of the season.

Key Factors to Consider

• When West Ham and Chelsea last met back on May 5th, the Blues collected a thumping 5-0 romp at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have collected seven points from their previous three Premier League appearances.
• West Ham have remarkably recorded just a single Premier League clean sheet from any of their previous 22 consecutive top-flight matchups – a run that stems all the way back to January 2nd.
• The Hammers have lost their first two Premier League showdowns at the London Stadium by an aggregate score of 5-2.
• Three of the last four meetings between West Ham and Chelsea have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Marking their return from September’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Bournemouth last weekend, Chelsea should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Storming their way to a 5-0 romp when they welcomed West Ham to Stamford Bridge back on May 5th, Maresca’s men will be looking to cash in on a Hammers squad that have gained an unwanted reputation for their struggles at the back.

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet