West Ham look to get back to winning ways as the Hammers travel to Stamford Bridge and try to leapfrog Chelsea in the table.
Although West Ham were only able to pick up a point last time out against Crystal Palace, the Hammers have only lost once in their last six matches. A trip to Stamford Bridge will see the East Londoners face off against a Chelsea side that has seen them fail to win and of their last three matches in all competitions.
Justin: Chelsea 1-1 West Ham
West Ham pulled off the double against Chelsea last season, beating them in both league matches in the same season for the first time in 17 years. Since then, David Moyes has really turned things around at the London Stadium, transforming the squad from a relegation-battled team to an organized, disciplined, and hard-working group of players.
Frank Lampard has come to Chelsea, where he became a legend as one of their greatest players. He is trying to do the same as a manager. Chelsea were pushing to be early-season title-favourites, but they’ve stumbled as of late, losing their last two league matches to Everton and Wolves.
David Moyes & co. will have a tough time against the Blues who will be extra motivated to pick up a victory after not doing so their last few matches. I would prefer to see West Ham go back to the 3-at-the-back system, with either Ben Johnson or Ryan Fredericks playing the left wing-back position. If we do this, we’ll have a chance to pick up a point against Chelsea.
My brain is telling me a loss is in the cards for the Hammers, but I’m going to go with my heart. I despise Chelsea with all my heart and more than any other club, yes, even Spurs. So, I’ll pray and hope we pick up a point. 1-1.
Jeremiah: Chelsea 2-2 West Ham
It’s another derby weekend, but this time, the Hammers are headed out of the cosy confines of the London Stadium. Chelsea is fast and can be, at times, a very attacking side. Fortunately for West Ham, they meet the Blues during one of their most struggling times this season.
As Moyes struggles to keep everyone healthy, the Hammer backline is going to be looked to once more to keep the scoreline ”close.” This match isn’t going to be a fun one at times, and I think the Blues take a commanding start, which will force West Ham to have a roaring comeback.
Henry: Chelsea 1-2 West Ham
This game would usually be a worry on the fixture list but this time round arguably the Hammers are the favourites. Doing the double over the Blues last season, in better form and only one spot behind Chelsea, West Ham will definitely fancy picking up a result.
The Hammers will have to defend well to keep Chelsea at bay; a deep block would be a good tactic against the pace of the Blues frontline. If David Moyes’ side can defend as well as they did against Manchester City, Leicester City and Liverpool then they should frustrate the Blues.
West Ham can score goals, and after Sebastien Haller’s wonder striker against Palace, he should have sky-high confidence. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Haller and Said Benrahma on the score sheet.
Adam: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham
There are a few key injuries to the West Ham team, and due to this, I think Chelsea will take all three points in this match. The Blues have been disappointing this season after their huge spending spree, but they’re catching the Hammers at the right time.
Nothing to get depressed or down about, though, as I assume the effort levels will be there—just the wrong opponent at the wrong time.