West Ham United vs Chelsea: Premier League London Derby Preview
This Saturday’s Premier League fixture sees West Ham United host Chelsea in a highly anticipated London derby at the London Stadium. The match kicks off at 12:30 BST on 21 September 2024, with both teams looking to improve their form and climb the league table.
Match Preview: West Ham vs. Chelsea
Setting the Scene
West Ham United, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, are still seeking their first home points of the season. The Hammers have suffered defeats to Aston Villa and Manchester City at the London Stadium, placing them among four teams without a home point. A narrow Carabao Cup victory over Bournemouth offers some consolation, but pressure mounts for a strong Premier League performance.
Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, have had a mixed start to their campaign. The Blues have secured only one point from two home games but have shown better form away. A convincing win at Wolves and a last-gasp victory against Bournemouth, courtesy of Christopher Nkunku, highlight their inconsistency. Currently eighth in the league table, Chelsea aims to stabilize their performances.
Head to Head: What History Tells Us
Recent encounters at the London Stadium have favored West Ham, with the Hammers winning three of the last five matches against Chelsea:
| Date | West Ham Score | Chelsea Score |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2023 | 3 | 1 |
| May 2022 | 3 | 2 |
| December 2021 | 2 | 3 |
| April 2021 | 3 | 2 |
| December 2020 | 0 | 3 |
This head-to-head record suggests a potential home advantage for West Ham, making the odds of 12/5 for a Hammers victory an intriguing prospect.
The Key Players: Spotlight on Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus emerges as a player to watch in this London derby. The Ghanaian forward has shown promise:
- Nearly scored against Manchester City, hitting the woodwork in a counter-attack.
- Featured in all four league matches, underlining his importance to West Ham.
- Poised to exploit Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Kudus at 3/1 to score anytime presents an attractive betting option. A more speculative bet of Kudus to have at least one shot on target in each half is priced at 15/2.
Other key players to watch include:
- Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio for West Ham
- Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea
Team News and Availability
West Ham:
- Max Kilman faces a late fitness test
- Niclas Fullkrug is available for selection
Chelsea:
- Reece James remains sidelined with injury
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returns to the squad
Prediction: Our Betting Choices
Based on current form and historical data, our betting strategy for this Premier League clash includes:
- Back West Ham to Win @ 12/5
- Back Mohammed Kudus to Score @ 3/1
- Back Mohammed Kudus 1 Or More Shots on Target in Each Half @ 15/2
These selections combine to create an enticing Bet Builder opportunity. We anticipate a competitive match with numerous chances, particularly for Kudus.
Closing Thoughts
This London derby presents intriguing narratives and potential for an exciting Premier League encounter. West Ham’s need for home points and Chelsea’s inconsistency set the stage for Mohammed Kudus to make a significant impact. His performance could be instrumental in securing West Ham’s first home victory of the season.
As kickoff approaches on Saturday, consider placing your bets. We anticipate an entertaining Premier League match at the London Stadium.
For more comprehensive betting tips and Premier League insights, visit: Betfair Betting Tips
