Nice poster this Monday in the Premier League! West Ham (9th, 33pts) welcomes Chelsea (1st, 63pts) in his Olympic stadium in London. Derby boiled last year, the meeting promises to be less contested this season, and for good reason. Chelsea are currently dominating the English league, but the Chelsea flies over the Premier League, unlike Hammers stuck in the soft belly and not yet saved from relegation. Adrift to the goals of a highly effective Diego Costa, the Blues are solid behind with the second best defense of BPL (19 conceded against 18 for Tottenham). Difficult for the Hammers to compete in these conditions.
Probability points for West Ham Chelsea
In the first leg, the Blues beat the Hammers quite easily after a successful 2-1 home game.
Since Chelsea has packed, leading the championship and staying on a great win at Wolverhampton on the move (0-2, FA Cup).
All stadiums combined, the men of Conte have lost only one of their last 20 matches disputed. Last meeting in progress? A victory against Swansea (3-1).
In case of victory, the club of Roman Abramovich would make a giant step towards the title, even before the start of the final sprint. Motivation guaranteed at London Olympic stadium.
Payet left, Carroll injured, Antonio suspended: West Ham will have to do without an effective offensive line against the Blues. Hard blow.
West Ham Chelsea – Our prediction
If a team should never be buryed when playing a derby, this time the fate seems to be already known to the Hammers. Deprived of effective offensive elements, Bilic’s protégés should have trouble finding the flaw in the defense of the leader, as well as to contain the repeated assaults of Hazard, Costa and company. Unsurprisingly, we are looking for a new Chelsea victory. One more.
Prediction: Over 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.80
