Just four months ago, Chelsea triumphed 5-0 over West Ham at Stamford Bridge. West Ham, however, have had a shaky start to the new season, picking up only three points from their first three Premier League matches but managing to edge past Bournemouth in the EFL Cup.
Last weekend, West Ham managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Fulham, thanks to a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer from substitute Danny Ings. That late goal marked their sixth-latest in Premier League history. After the game, coach Julen Lopetegui expressed satisfaction with the team's resilience but emphasized that there's still much work to be done if they hope to climb up the table.
Currently sitting 14th in the league with four points, West Ham are keen to avoid a third straight home defeat this season, after losses to Aston Villa and Manchester City. In their last 10 Premier League meetings with Chelsea, West Ham have won five, lost three, and drawn two. Notably, they secured a 3-1 home victory against the Blues in August last season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are dealing with internal tension between co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, but head coach Enzo Maresca has remained calm, guiding the team to seven points in their first four league matches. Though they haven’t won at Stamford Bridge yet this season, Chelsea have been strong away, with victories over Wolverhampton and Bournemouth. Last weekend, Christopher Nkunku's late winner sealed a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.
Chelsea now face a busy 16-day stretch with five matches across three competitions, starting with Saturday’s trip to West Ham. The Blues will follow that up with four consecutive home games against Barrow (EFL Cup), Brighton, Gent (Europa Conference League), and Nottingham Forest.
Despite losing at the London Stadium last season, Chelsea remain optimistic, having beaten West Ham 30 times in their 56 Premier League encounters—only surpassing that record against Tottenham Hotspur, whom they’ve beaten 35 times.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
West Ham are sweating on the fitness of Emerson Palmieri (thigh) and Niclas Fullkrug (Achilles), with both players doubtful for the upcoming match. If Emerson isn’t ready to go, either Aaron Cresswell or Aaron Wan-Bissaka could step in at left-back.Michail Antonio, who was subbed off at halftime against Fulham, has struggled to find form this season, which might prompt manager Julen Lopetegui to consider starting either Danny Ings or Jarrod Bowen up front. If Bowen moves to the striker role, Mohammed Kudus could shift to the right wing, with Crysencio Summerville potentially making his first Premier League start for West Ham on the left. Lucas Paqueta may also return to the starting XI, possibly replacing Tomas Soucek as the attacking midfielder.
On Chelsea’s side, Reece James remains out with a hamstring injury, but there’s good news with Romeo Lavia (hamstring), Malo Gusto (thigh), Enzo Fernandez, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (both illness) all returning to training this week. They could be back in the squad after missing the Bournemouth game.
If Gusto is fit, he’s likely to replace Axel Disasi at right-back, while Fernandez is expected to slot back into central midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, which would push Renato Veiga to the bench. Following an impressive debut against Bournemouth, summer signing Jadon Sancho could get his first Chelsea start, potentially taking the place of either Pedro Neto or Noni Madueke on the wing.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
West Ham United possible starting lineup:Areola; Wan-Bisakka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Kudus, Paqueta, Summerville; Bowen
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
EXPERT PREDICTION
West Ham 2-3 Chelsea
While West Ham managed to defeat Chelsea at home last season, they haven't found their rhythm at the London Stadium this time around. They could struggle once again against a confident Chelsea side, who look well-equipped to come out on top and outscore their opponents this time.
