Forecast: West Ham versus Chelsea Matchup
Chelsea Set to Face West Ham Amidst Injury Concerns and Strong Form
Chelsea will be looking to extend their impressive run of form when they face West Ham at the London Stadium on May 5th. The Blues, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, are fresh off a commanding 5-0 victory over West Ham at home back in August, a result that temporarily put them at the summit of the league [1][4].
Chelsea Team News and Form
In their last outing against West Ham, Chelsea showcased their attacking prowess with goals from João Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Trevoh Chalobah. However, Reece James is injured and will not be travelling to the London Stadium for the game [2]. Ben Chilwell has returned to first-team training but is not expected to feature [2].
Defensively, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile remain out injured, while Tosin Adarabioyo’s availability is uncertain [2]. Romeo Lavia is sidelined for about a month, and Nicolas Jackson is back from suspension but isn’t yet guaranteed a start [2]. The typical lineup includes Sánchez; James (replaced by Acheampong in the last game), Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Estêvão, Palmer (who is still a fitness concern), Neto; João Pedro [2][3].
West Ham Team News and Form
West Ham have had a difficult start to the season, losing 3-0 to Sunderland and then 5-1 to Chelsea. Manager Enzo Maresca is under pressure, and the team is in dire need of a turnaround [5].
In the midfield, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek replaced James Ward-Prowse and Guido Rodriguez to add solidity [5]. Callum Wilson is expected to get his first start after appearing as a substitute in the last game [5]. The defensive line includes Hermansen, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, with Wan-Bissaka on the flank [5]. Attacking lineup features Paqueta (who scored against Chelsea), Jarrod Bowen, and Wilson [5].
Malo Gutso and Romeo Lavia are both injured and will not play any part in the game against West Ham [2]. Jadon Sancho could make his first start of the season in the game against West Ham, adding another dimension to West Ham's attack [5]. Niclas Fullkrug might return to the squad for the game against Chelsea [6].
Odds and Previous Meetings
The best odds for Chelsea to win the game against West Ham are 11/10, offered by Dachbet [7]. Three of the last four meetings between West Ham and Chelsea have finished with over 2.5 goals [8]. West Ham have not recorded a Premier League clean sheet in their previous 22 consecutive top-flight matchups [9][10]. The last time West Ham and Chelsea met, Chelsea won 5-0 at Stamford Bridge [1][4]. West Ham have lost their first two Premier League showdowns at the London Stadium by an aggregate score of 5-2 [1][4].
With Chelsea's dominance and West Ham's defensive frailties, the Blues are strong favorites going forward. However, West Ham will likely continue tweaking their midfield and defensive setup to reverse their fortunes [1][4].
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