West Ham vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News| Premier League, September 21 2024

West Ham vs Chelsea Preview

Date: September 21, 2024
Kick-off time: 11:30 AM GMT
Venue: London Stadium

West Ham host Chelsea in the battle of London, as the Hammers look to gain all three points at home on Saturday.

West Ham sit in 14^th ahead of the fixture after a Danny Ings strike prevented a defeat against Fulham. New manager Julen Lopetegui, has faced early disappointment in the campaign with four points from 12.

They face a Chelsea side under a new manager Enzo Maresca, who joined as a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, but the rollercoaster ride has continued, with two wins, a draw, and a defeat. Despite the Blues’ admiration upfront, particularly the attacking, questions have been raised to return to the traditional top four. This has made the guesses tougher on Chelsea will show up, whether the side that humbled Wolves 6-2 away or the one that could not defeat Crystal Palace at home. Missed chances have been at the forefront of things, just like last year.

Cole Palmer has become the standout player in all this chaos after a remarkable breakthrough campaign last year The Englishman has picked up where he left out last with one goal and four assists so far. Noni Madueke is slowly stepping up and taking responsibility, after scoring a hat-trick. Nicolas Jackson is still holding on up front, and the attack has got new firepower from the signings of Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and Jadon Sancho.

On the other hand, the offensive talents have not risen to the occasion for the Hammers along with the defence managing just one clean sheet so far. With another away fixture in the cards, Chelsea’s biggest concern is their defense, which has failed to keep a solid cover in protecting the goal. They managed just one clean sheet in their last 18 away league games, with the last one coming in a 1-0 win at Bournemouth the previous weekend. The West Ham test will be a tricky good test to witness for both the host and travelers.

West Ham Team News

New signing Niclas Fullkrug picked up an injury and will be absent for the weekend. Emerson Palmieri’s knee injury keeps him on the sideline preventing him from facing his old side, otherwise, the Hammers have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Chelsea Team News

Jadon Sancho made his debut show last weekend coming in as a substitute and assisting the winning goal earned him the man of the match. This means he could start the next game as a reward. Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should be available to return after missing out on the Bournemouth game due to illness. Malo Gusto could also return from injury along with Captain Reece James who is yet to play a game this season due to injury and suspension.

West Ham vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups:

West Ham predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Areola
Defenders: Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Emerson
Midfielders: Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus
Forward: Antonio.

Chelsea predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Petrovic
Defenders: Gilchrist, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella
Midfielders: Caicedo, Gallagher Madueke, Palmer, Sterling
Forward: Jackson.

West Ham vs Chelsea Head-to-Head

Key Players to watch in West Ham vs Chelsea

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

The PFA young player of the year is still taking centre stage for Chelsea. His only goal this season against Wolves won him the goal of the month, but a lot more is expected from the Chelsea poster boy. Having four assists to his name as well keeps him as the one to watch this weekend.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Jarrod Bowen has been one consistent performer for the Hammers through the years, but his slow start to the season with just one goal and an assist in four games has tampered his side a bit. The attacker needs to rise to the occasion and there is nothing better than a clash with fellow London club Chelsea to begin.

West Ham vs Chelsea prediction

This London derby should be a tight encounter, with the visitors claiming the points. West Ham have conceded against Chelsea in the last nine games, which is alarming. The Blues are the favourtites in this fixture, scoring the first in the seven of the previous nine meetings. The most recent meeting at Stamford Bridge saw Nicholas Jackson score a brace, and this season has three goal contributions in four games. Five of the last seven West Ham games have seen both teams score As a result, we see both teams score with a victory for the away side

Predicted score– West Ham 1-2 Chelsea (Watch Live)

Where to watch West Ham vs Chelsea live?

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