Premier League: New-Look Chelsea Chase Key Win at West Ham

West Ham United vs Chelsea

Chelsea are set for their third London derby in the space of four Premier League games as they make the short trip to East London to face West Ham United.

The new-look Blues have been held to goalless draws in back-to-back games as they continue to languish in mid-table.

And now, they face a tricky test in the form of a resurgent West Ham, who have picked up some promising Premier League 2023 results in recent games.

Talking Points

West Ham working their way back up

After a disastrous run of form, West Ham United are seemingly back on track. The Hammers picked up a huge home win against Everton, which led to Frank Lampard’s sacking, and followed that up with a 1-1 draw away to fourth-placed Newcastle. They also had a routine 2-0 win in the FA Cup against lower-league Derby County.

With those two positive results against Everton and Newcastle, West Ham have climbed to 16th in the Premier League table, although they are still just one point above the relegation zone.

Michail Antonio has started at centre-forward in each of the last four games in all competitions amid the injury to Gianluca Scamacca, and he has picked up a goal and an assist.

Antonio has scored just two Premier League goals all season, but one of those goals came against Chelsea back in September. New signing Danny Ings has recovered from his recent knock and could potentially come in and give the 32-year-old Antonio a rest.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s defence has seen a resurgence as they’ve conceded just two goals in their last five games in all competitions. But with Kurt Zouma out and Thilo Kehrer doubtful, Ben Johnson will likely continue at the right side of the defence alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Nayef Aguerd.

Chelsea get key players back

After their incredible winter spending spree, it’s now time to see whether Graham Potter can coach this new-look Chelsea side back up the table.

They did not look all too impressive last weekend, though, as they were held to a goalless draw at home in the west London derby by Fulham. Record signing Enzo Fernandez made his debut along with fellow winter recruits Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile.

But even after their massive spending, Chelsea are still struggling to score goals. They have scored just seven goals in their last 12 Premier League games.

There is some good news for the Blues, though, as some key players made their return from injury against Fulham. Star right-back Reece James started and played an hour, while winger Raheem Sterling and wing-back Ben Chilwell both came off the bench. Joao Felix is also available for selection once again after serving out his three-match suspension following his debut red card against Fulham.

James’ return is particularly important for Potter as wing-backs play a crucial role in his system. It will now be interesting to see whether Potter will switch back to his preferred formation of a back three after playing with a back four in recent weeks.

History

Chelsea have dominated West Ham in the Premier League era. They have a commanding 29-15 advantage in wins, with 9 draws.

The Blues beat West Ham at Stamford Bridge 2-1 in their first meeting this season. Antonio gave West Ham the lead just after the hour mark, but Chelsea equalised through Chilwell and got the winner through Kai Havertz two minutes from time.

The win was Chelsea’s fourth in their last five Premier League meetings against the Hammers.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League 2023 betting odds have Chelsea installed as slight 2.27 favourites to win this London derby. West Ham are priced at 3.20, while a draw is similarly priced at 3.15.

Goals have been at a premium in both West Ham’s and Chelsea’s recent Premier League games. Neither side has been particularly prolific this season – they are both in the bottom half of the league in terms of goals scored – and their defences have been much-improved of late.

But with Reece James and other attacking stars back, I expect Chelsea to be a bit more adventurous in this match as they desperately need a win. That could very well lead to a more open and entertaining London derby with a fair number of goals.

 

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