West Ham vs Chelsea – Match Preview and team news | OneFootball

The first game of the Premier League weekend will be a London derby, as West Ham face off against Chelsea.

Whilst many teams have been competing in other competitions this week, both clubs have had a full week to prepare for the encounter.

West Ham will be without summer signing Niclas Fullkrug due to a calf injury, but left-back Emerson is expected to play despite going off injured in their game against Fulham last weekend.

Chelsea will again have to deal without a recognised right-back as Malo Gusto and Reece James remain on the sidelines. Midfield pair Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have been passed fit after illness.

West Ham United vs Chelsea – Match Preview

Form

West Ham: LWWLD

The Julen Lopetegui era is yet to ignite belief in West Ham fans that the Spaniard will be an improvement on David Moyes.

One league win from four games isn’t convincing, albeit the Hammers have had two London derbies away from home and have welcomed Manchester City and Aston Villa to the London Stadium.

An equaliser from Danny Ings in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time salvaged a point at Craven Cottage last weekend, a player that is very much on the peripheries of Lopetegui’s plans.

After the visit of Chelsea, West Ham will make a trip of their own to Anfield to play Liverpool in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea: WWLDW

Second-half substitute Christopher Nkunku was the hero last time out for Chelsea as he snatched all three points with a late winner at Bournemouth.

The Frenchman, alongside another second-half substitute in Jadon Sancho, linked up well to break Cherries hearts on the South Coast.

Overall, Enzo Maresca will be pleased with his start to life in West London with seven points collected from a possible twelve.

Their only league defeat was to the irrepressible Manchester City, but their away record is impressive so far with a 6-2 demolition of Wolves and that win against Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth last Saturday.

Last Meeting: Chelsea 5-0 West Ham, Premier League, 5th May 2024

It was a one-sided affair when the two sides last met as Chelsea thrashed a dispirited West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

With the campaign coming to its close, the Hammers had very little to play for, though Chelsea were still fighting for the European places.

The different motivations were clear to see and the home side were already winning 3-0 going into the break.

Cole Palmer accurately curled in his 24th goal of the season before smartly struck efforts from Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke put the Blues firmly in control.

After the interval, the story continued. Nicolas Jackson got in on the action as he netted a brace to complete the rout.

Predicted Lineups

West Ham: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Rodriguez, Soucek; Summerville, Kudus, Bowen.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku.

Who is the referee?

Samuel Barrott.

What TV channel is West Ham vs Chelsea on?

West Ham vs Chelsea will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and Discovery+

What time is kick off?

Kick-off at the London Stadium is at 12:30 BST on Saturday 21st September 2024

Odds

West Ham – 12/5

Draw – 29/10

Chelsea – 21/20

Read – Five who played for both – West Ham and Chelsea

See more – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend

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