The Premier League serves up another exciting London derby on Monday night as Chelsea welcomes West Ham United to Stamford Bridge. With Graham Potter returning to his former home, the Blues will look to secure a much-needed three points, while the Hammers aim to break their poor record against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Recent Form and Struggles
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side enters this fixture following a frustrating 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City. Despite taking an early lead through Noni Madueke, defensive lapses allowed the reigning champions to stage a comeback, exposing Chelsea’s continued struggles at the back.
The Blues have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches, raising concerns over their ability to secure a European qualification spot. Defensive frailties remain a key issue, as Chelsea has conceded in 10 of their 11 home league fixtures this season. With their attacking potential evident but inconsistent, the pressure is mounting on Maresca’s men to deliver a result at the Bridge.
West Ham United’s Push for European Football
The Irons were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in their last league outing. Emerson Palmieri’s equalizer salvaged a point for Potter’s men, but missed opportunities ultimately cost them the chance to secure all three points.
West Ham has been relatively strong on the road, scoring in each of their last seven away matches. However, their recent meetings with Chelsea have been nothing short of disastrous, with the Blues winning 3-0 at the London Stadium earlier this season and thrashing them 5-0 in their last visit to Stamford Bridge. A response will be needed if the Hammers are to avoid a similar fate.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Chelsea will be without Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Omari Kellyman (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Wesley Fofana (hamstring), and Benoit Badiashile (thigh). Robert Sanchez’s position as the first-choice goalkeeper is under scrutiny after his costly errors against Manchester City, but he is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Chelsea Predicted XI:
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
West Ham, on the other hand, has a glimmer of hope as Jarrod Bowen (foot) has returned to training and is pushing for involvement in this crucial clash. Lucas Paqueta (groin) remains doubtful, while Crysencio Summerville (hamstring), Michail Antonio (leg), Niclas Fullkrug (thigh), and Jean-Clair Todibo (unspecified) are all ruled out. Dinos Mavropanos returns from suspension and is expected to slot into the backline.
West Ham Predicted XI:
Areola; Coufal, Kilman, Mavropanos; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Alvarez, Emerson; Paqueta, Kudus; Bowen.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 West Ham United
With Chelsea boasting a dominant record over West Ham in recent meetings and the Blues playing at home, they should have enough firepower to secure victory. West Ham’s attacking threat—especially with Bowen’s return—could pose problems, but Chelsea’s extra quality should see them through.
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