Premier League leaders Chelsea travel to London rivals West Ham on Monday night, knowing that a win would restore a ten point lead over Tottenham in the league table.
Only four teams in Premier League history have had more points than Antonio Conte’s side have at this stage of the season, and three of those teams went on to lift the title in May. The exception was Arsenal in 2007/08. It won’t be Chelsea’s first trip to the London Stadium however, as they lost 2-1 to West Ham in the EFL Cup earlier on in the season.
West Ham’s poor start to the season seems to be a thing of distant memory now, particularly with the news that manager Slaven Bilic is set to be rewarded with a new contract. West Ham currently sit 11th in the table, but a win could see them climb above Stoke into ninth.
West Ham United vs. Chelsea Predictions
Chelsea are overwhelming favourites for the title and only complacency will stop them from winning it from here. They lost to West Ham in the EFL Cup earlier in the season, but they did rest a number of first choice players and you can’t see the same happening again.
West Ham have struggled at home in their new stadium, but they’re still looking for a big statement win at their new ground. Chelsea would be the perfect side to beat to get their new era underway, but you can’t see it happening.
West Ham United vs. Chelsea Betting Tips
Chelsea are priced at 4/7 to take another step towards the Premier League title by winning away at West Ham, who are available at 19/4 to cause an upset and win the game. A draw is available at 3/1.
Diego Costa leads the goalscoring markets for tonight’s game, available at 59/20 to score first and 5/6 to score anytime. For West Ham, Andy Carroll is priced at 10/1 to score first and 33/10 to score anytime.
West Ham United Team News
Andy Carroll is set to replace Michail Antonio in the West Ham team. Carroll has recovered from the groin injury that kept him out of the last two games, but Antonio will be serving a suspension following his sending off at Watford last weekend.
Diafra Sakho and Angelo Ogbonna are the only injury absentees.
Chelsea Team News
Eden Hazard is expected to be fit for Monday’s game following a slight training injury. Hazard is the only fitness concern for Antonio Conte heading into this game.
West Ham United vs. Chelsea Statistics
- Chelsea have lost just two of their last 21 Premier League games against West Ham United (W15 D4).
- Andy Carroll has scored five goals in his last three home London derbies in the Premier League.
- Manuel Lanzini has scored in seven of his last 11 Premier League derby appearances.
- Diego Costa is just two goals away from his 50th Premier League goal.
