A London derby kicks off week five of the 2024/25 Premier League season as Chelsea make the short trip across the capital to face West Ham United on Saturday lunchtime.
Both clubs brought in new managers in the summer and are separated by three points heading into the battle at the London Stadium.
Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers have had a difficult start to the season but bounced back from a late draw at Fulham last time out, while the Blues registered their second La Liga win under Enzo Maresca with a narrow 1- 0 at Bournemouth.
here it is 90 minutes preview of Saturday’s opening game of the week.
West Ham vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
West Ham |
Chelsea |
|---|---|
|
Fulham 1-1 West Ham – 14/09/24 |
Bournemouth – Chelsea 0-1 – 14/09/24 |
|
West Ham 1-3 Man City – 31/08/24 |
Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace – 01/09/24 |
|
West Ham 1-0 Bournemouth – 28/08/24 |
Servette 2-1 Chelsea – 29/08/24 |
|
Crystal Palace 0-2 West Ham – 24/08/24 |
Wolves 2-6 Chelsea – 25/08/24 |
|
West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa – 17/08/24 |
Chelsea 2-0 Servette – 22/08/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live broadcast |
|---|---|
|
united kingdom |
Discovery+, Discovery+ App, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate |
|
united states |
fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO, SiriusXM FC |
|
canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Lopetegui has doubts about Emerson Palmieri and Niclas Fullkrug. Emerson could still appear with his knock described by the Spanish coach as “not important”, but Fullkrug is likely to remain waiting for his full. Premier League debut due to fitness issues.
Danny Ings came off the bench to grab the vital equalizer last time out, but that is unlikely to see the former Southampton striker start, with Jarrod Bowen perhaps the focal point of West HamMichail Antonio’s substitute attack.
West Ham predicted line-up against Chelsea (4-2-3-1): areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; RodrÃguez, Alvarez; Kudus, Paqueta, Summerville; Bowen.
Right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto remain sidelined through injury, meaning Axel Disasi is expected to continue in that role. Romeo Lavia may not be fit enough to play after struggling with a hamstring problem, but he is closing in on a return to matchday availability.
Jadon Sancho was fundamental Chelsea grabbing a late winner at Bournemouth, setting up Christopher Nkunku’s goal after replacing Pedro Neto at half-time. Consequently, the English winger could replace the Portuguese in the starting eleven.
Chelsea predicted line-up against West Ham (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
West Ham have made a somewhat average start to life under their new manager, although they had won two games in a row in all competitions before losing to Manchester City and drawing at Fulham. That said, they are still huffing and puffing in attack and may have to take advantage of Chelsea’s inexperience to hit the back of the net on Saturday.
The Blues have already shown a ruthless clinical streak this season in a 6-2 crushing wolvesalthough their three games so far have seen them score just three goals.
However, they head into the weekend as favorites to pick up the points at the London Stadium, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke likely to spearhead their attacking forays.
