West Ham travels across London on Monday even to take on city rivals Chelsea. The Hammers will be hoping to make it three wins in three against the Blues.
Despite being in a relegation battle for much of last season, West Ham still managed to do the double over Frank Lampards Chelsea side. Aaron Cresswell scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge last season. That match will mostly be remembered for David Martin‘s performances in goal as he kept a priceless clean sheet.
This season there has been a distinct improvement West Ham. Going into the match, the Hammers are right behind Chelsea in the Premier League table. A win for the East London side will see them leapfrog the Blues and climb to sixth.
WEST HAM TEAM NEWS
David Moyes could be getting ready to start rotating his team in the very near future. The manager has used a similar starting eleven for the majority of the season, and it is starting to take its toll on some players. Jarrod Bowen and Cresswell could be risked for the match as they are both carrying knocks at the moment.
Arthur Masuaku will miss the game as he is still recovering from his surgery earlier in the month. The full-back is not expected back until the new year. On the brighter side, Michial Antonio could return to the squad after recovering from another hamstring injury. The forward will be raring to go after extending his contract for a further two years last week.
Fabian Balbuena is expected to make his return to the matchday squad. The centre-back missed the match against Crystal Palace with a minor knock. Issa Diop replaced him that during that match, making his long-awaited return after his positive COVID-19 test.
PREDICTED XIs
West Ham Formation | 4-4-1-1
L. Fabianski, A. Cresswell, A. Ogbonna, F. Balbuena, V. Coufal, P. Fornals, T. Soucek, D. Rice (C), J. Bowen, S. Benrahma & S. Haller.
Chelsea Formation | 4-3-3
E. Mendy, C. Azpilicueta, K. Zouma, T. Silva, B. Chilwell, M. Mount, N. Kante, K. Havertz, C. Pulisic, T. Werner & O. Giroud.
MATCH PREDICTION
Going into the match, West Ham does have the better form and will fancy themselves to give Chelsea a tough match, especially after defeating them twice last season. Despite being only one spot above the Hammers, they have a lot more talent then they did last season.
The Hammers will have to deal with the Blues pace going forward, and the best way to do that will be to deploy a deep block. This tactic has been successful this season against the bigger sides and has helped propel the Hammers up the table this season.
Sebastien Haller will have to be on top form to have a successful evening against the Blues. The goal the Ivorian international scored against Crystal Palace should give him plenty of confidence to be a match-winner against the blues.
SCORE PREDICTION
1-2 West Ham to win. Sebastien Haller & Said Benrahma to score.
It would not be surprising to see the Hammers come out on top if they perform to their potential. The blues are on a losing streak, and it could be a perfect time to play them.