It’s a clash of two London clubs with a great deal of respect, but very little love lost. Will David Moyes and West Ham add more misery and frustration to Graham Potter? Or will this game give Chelsea a better indication of their best team?
To Win Match
West Ham 23/10 | Draw 9/4 | Chelsea 6/5
West Ham
I’m not entirely sure what to make of West Ham, they always look as though they are a team with something to offer and with a bit of grit and confidence, can cause anyone difficulty.
They were rather flat against Derby in the FA Cup before consolidating a slow start at St. James’ before warming up and eventually getting into the game. With that being said though, the Hammers have now put together a run of three games without defeat, conceding just once.
I’m intrigued to see which approach David Moyes favours on Saturday afternoon, they have found currency (West Ham) in sitting rather deep and compact and asking teams to bring the game to them. The Hammers have become so comfortable at the counter-attacking system, one wonders how detrimental a change might prove to be.
They face a Chelsea side devoid of confidence but overflowing with talent – it certainly will not be a straightforward outing.
Predicted Line-up: Fabianski, Aquerd, Ogbonna, Kehrer, Emerson, Rice, Paqueta, Coufal, Benrahma, Bowen, Antonio.
Chelsea
Whether or not Chelsea has the ability to beat West Ham isn’t a concern here at all, its whether or not the Chelsea capable of beating a spirited West Ham show up on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea have opened the purse strings and gone to town without any fear or judgment, their latest coup includes bringing the best young player at the World Cup (Enzo Fernandez) to Stamford Bridge. I thought his debut was neither here nor there – but such is the Premier League for newcomers.
I think the greatest challenge facing Graham Potter is not knowing his best team. The changes at Chelsea have been great and not without slip-ups. The Ziyech debacle has remined relatively quiet, but we all know how those sorts of issues can contaminate a good camp.
Mykhailo Mudryk is up there with the greatest signings in January, and yes, I will say that early on without seeing too much of the Ukrainian superstar in England. His speed and skill combination are superb, usually players with blistering pace lose a bit of their intricate control when going at full tilt – not Mudryk. He is certainly one to watch.
I hope that Graham Potter’s luck changes, he is a brilliant coach who deserves a degree of success in England.
Predicted line-up: Arrizabalaga, James, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Fernandez, Gallagher, Mount, Mudryk, Havertz, Felix.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals (13/20)
The questions around West Ham’s approach as well as the inconsistency in Chelsea’s squad make this an incredibly difficult game to predict. These two sides have both shown glimpses of being able to approach a corner to and then follow through with turning it – but I can’t split them here.
I think under 2.5 goals at 13/20 makes the most appeal for me. I would add it to my weekend multiple and then enjoy the game.
