Chelsea vs West Ham Preview

• Chelsea to win or draw?
• Chelsea to score 2 or more (1.5+ goals)

Fresh off a crucial victory against Tottenham, the stakes are high as Chelsea prepare to host West Ham in their final London derby of the Premier League season.

With European qualification in their sights, the Blues are looking to secure back-to-back league victories for the first time since the festive period.

Chelsea’s Strong Form at Stamford Bridge

Under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, Chelsea have shown formidable form at home, boasting an impressive record in their last seven matches at Stamford Bridge with six wins and one draw.

The team has scored 24 goals in these encounters, which includes a streak of ten goals without conceding. This potent scoring ability will be a significant concern for West Ham, especially given the historical unpredictability of this fixture where the team scoring first has lost ten times.

West Ham’s Struggle for Consistency

Contrasting with Chelsea’s upturn, West Ham have encountered a challenging phase. After being ousted from the Europa League, the Hammers have failed to secure a win in their last five outings in all competitions, comprising two draws and three losses.

Despite a commendable 2-2 draw against Liverpool recently, manager David Moyes faces pressure to deliver a victory to keep alive their faint hopes of finishing in the top seven.

Head-to-Head and What’s at Stake

West Ham managed to stun Chelsea 3-1 in the reverse fixture, positioning them to achieve a rare Premier League double over the Blues — a feat not accomplished since the 2019/20 season.

However, their away record in London derbies this term (W2, L3) paints a less optimistic picture, particularly with all three losses involving conceding three or more goals.

Nonetheless, victories over Tottenham and Arsenal on the road this season underline their potential to upset the odds.

Key Players and Matchup

The key battle to watch will be between Chelsea’s defender Trevoh Chalobah, who opened the scoring in their midweek game, and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.

Bowen, having recently become the first West Ham player in 19 years to reach 20 competitive goals in a season, poses a significant threat to Chelsea’s defense. Chalobah’s role will be crucial not only in initiating attacks, but also in containing Bowen’s offensive prowess.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the dynamics of past matches, current form, and individual performances will all play critical roles in shaping the outcome.

For Chelsea, a win could solidify their European ambitions, while West Ham seek to disrupt these plans and salvage their season with a prestigious derby victory. The stage is set for a compelling London derby full of strategic battles and pivotal moments.

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Chelsea v West Ham, 2023/24 | Premier League