West Ham-Chelsea is a match valid for the twenty-third day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 13:30: TV, formations, predictions.
The Premier League day opens with the London derby – although in this case the two stadiums are not so close – between West Ham and Chelsea. The Hammers and the Blues are not doing well at all: the former even find themselves in the fight not to be relegated after having started with quite different ambitions; the latter, on the other hand, are in serious danger of missing out on qualification for the next Champions League. Which would be a real disaster given the rivers of pounds that their ownership has shelled out in the last two football market sessions.
Despite the presence of several new faces on the pitch – including former Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, paid over 120 million euros, the most expensive purchase in the English top flight – Graham Potter’s team did not impress in the derby against Fulham (this one more heartfelt), recording the second consecutive 0-0 after the one against Liverpool. Two points that do not allow Chelsea to move up in the standings: the Blues are now ninth, with 10 points to make up on fourth place. An epic comeback will be needed to ensure that the London club – which has spared no expense in strengthening its squad – can play in the continent’s most important competition. The numbers, since October, are merciless.
Derby problem for West Ham
And they photograph a situation that is more complicated than ever: Chelsea have won just two games in their last twelve Premier League fixtures and have scored barely seven goals in the same timeframe. Unheard of for a squad of that calibre.
Fornals
West Ham, on the other hand, are showing some signs of recovery, with two wins and a draw between the league and FA Cup since mid-January. David Moyes’s Hammers have at least moved up the league table, although they are still very much in the relegation battle. Third-last place is just a point away and continuing to play with fire, despite the initial objectives being different, could be very dangerous. The Scottish coach will face two derbies in a row (Chelsea and Tottenham) but lately derbies have not been good for West Ham, who have lost eight out of 10.
The Prediction
Against a West Ham side forced to score, Chelsea could be forced to postpone their date with victory once again. Refraining from the final result, we believe both sides could score on at least one occasion but within a derby of less than four goals in total. A draw cannot be ruled out.
The West Ham-Chelsea line-up probables
- WEST HAM (3-4-2-1): Fabianski; Johnson, Ogbonna, Aguerd; Coufal, Rice, Paqueta, Emerson; Benrahma, Bowen; Antonio.
- CHELSEA (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, Mount; Madueke, Havertz, Sterling.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
