West Ham United vs Chelsea Predictions

West Ham United vs Chelsea predictions for Sunday’s Premier League London derby. Both these teams avoided defeat in their debut but only managed to get a point each. Who will get their first win in this London derby? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Match Live Sunday, 20th August at 4:30 pm In:

West Ham United vs Chelsea Predictions

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London Derby – More Than Just a Game

In the wake of matching 1-1 results to begin their Premier League campaigns, West Ham United and Chelsea prepare to battle it out in a London derby spectacle at the London Stadium this Sunday. Both teams showcased resilience in their opening matches, with the Hammers holding Bournemouth and the Blues securing a draw against Liverpool.

West Ham: Home Comfort and New Beginnings

David Moyes’s squad started their season hoping to place Manchester City’s chase for Lucas Paqueta behind them, especially as they embarked on life without the influential Declan Rice. Their game against Bournemouth witnessed Jarrod Bowen taking the lead in the 51st minute. But, the seaside club clawed back towards the end, levelling with a Dominic Solanke tap-in, despite West Ham holding only 37% of the possession.

Returning to the London Stadium could be the momentum shift West Ham need. Their record speaks volumes – they clinched victories in their last three home games of the previous season. Since the commencement of the year, only Liverpool and Newcastle have bested them at their home turf. Moreover, the consistent scoring spree at home since their loss to Brentford in December has the fans buzzing with excitement.

Chelsea: Adapting under Pochettino

Chelsea’s off-pitch activities made headlines as they successfully swooped in for Moises Caicedo, followed by a deal with Romeo Lavia. Their on-pitch battle with Liverpool saw the Merseyside team taking the lead with Luis Diaz. However, Chelsea rallied with Axel Disasi capitalising on a Ben Chilwell headed assist.

With the dust settling after their clash with Liverpool, Chelsea’s recent form stands out. Mauricio Pochettino, since assuming the managerial reins, remains unbeaten. Yet, the Blues are on a precarious slope, having only a single win in their past thirteen Premier League encounters.

Players to Watch and New Arrivals

West Ham might showcase their latest acquisitions – Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse. Alvarez, once a Chelsea target, has expressed his relief over his move, and there’s potential for an exciting midfield partnership with Ward-Prowse and Paqueta. Chelsea, grappling with injuries, might bring newcomers Caicedo and Lavia into the mix. The potential absence of Reece James due to a hamstring injury could be a significant blow, but it paves the way for Malo Gusto to shine.

Statistical Insight and Analysis

West Ham, with an average BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.08, have showcased dominance in aerial duels (winning 64.4%). Their possession stats, however, remain a concern, with just 37% ball retention. In contrast, Chelsea, with an Expert Rating of 7.06, have enjoyed 65% ball possession. Yet, they’ve missed four significant chances in their first match, indicating room for sharpening their finishing.

Technical Analysis

A London Derby with the background of 1-1 draws sets the tone for what promises to be an enthralling contest between West Ham United and Chelsea at the London Stadium.

Strategies in Focus

West Ham United have been seen to adopt a conservative approach in their recent match, maintaining just 37% of the ball. It indicates a tactical plan reliant on quick counter-attacks and a solid defensive structure. While this strategy enabled them to maintain a lead, their relaxed stance during the second half cost them, as evidenced by Bournemouth’s late equaliser. Key players such as Jarrod Bowen, who has been in fine form with a BettingTips4You rating of 8.00, might be pivotal in employing this strategy.

In contrast, Chelsea, now managed by Pochettino, demonstrated a more controlled game against Liverpool, enjoying 65% of possession. This signifies a more possession-based strategy, focusing on ball retention and creating organised attacking movements. Players such as Enzo Fernández, with the highest BettingTips4you rating among his teammates, could be at the heart of this approach.

Player Performances

West Ham have players like Lucas Paquetá, Jarrod Bowen, and Tomáš Souček, who have shown promising performances. Bowen and Paqueta, both with a BettingTips4you rating of 8.00, demonstrate their influence on the pitch. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, Axel Disasi, and Thiago Silva have been shining too, with Fernández leading with a rating of 8.10.

Impact of Management

David Moyes, at the helm of West Ham, seems to be grappling with post-Declan Rice dynamics. The inclination to sit back in the second half against Bournemouth may hint at a more cautious Moyes, wary of exposing his side. On the other hand, Pochettino’s Chelsea exhibits an invigorated style of play, reflective of his tenure at Spurs, suggesting a more aggressive, front-foot approach.

Comparative Analysis

Both teams showcased different styles of play. While West Ham’s approach could be seen as more reactive, Chelsea’s strategy against Liverpool was evidently proactive. This difference is further highlighted by their possession stats. Chelsea’s acquisition of players like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia suggests a youthful and energetic midfield pivot, in contrast to West Ham’s seasoned signings like James Ward-Prowse.

Suggestions

West Ham might need to reconsider their second-half tactics, especially against teams with high pressing and possession tactics like Chelsea. Chelsea, with a rejuvenated lineup and a fresh tactical approach under Pochettino, needs consistency in their performances to rebuild their reputation from last season’s downturn.

Pros and Cons

West Ham’s strategy could surprise teams expecting them to be more expansive, especially with the counter-attacking threat of players like Bowen and Paqueta. However, this approach can invite unnecessary pressure. Chelsea’s strength lies in their ball retention and structured attacking, but they might be susceptible to quick counters, given the high line they tend to maintain.

Predictions

1. Both Teams to Score:

When you take a closer look at the recent history of clashes between West Ham and Chelsea, the chances of both teams netting in this upcoming fixture appear highly likely. West Ham United have shown their offensive capabilities, finding the back of the net in all of their competitive home fixtures since their 2-0 loss to Brentford last December. This offensive prowess, combined with Chelsea’s known attacking flair, provides a strong basis for anticipating goals from both teams.

Chelsea’s recent performance against Liverpool, where they managed to equalise despite Liverpool’s strong defensive setup, further supports this prediction. Furthermore, given both teams’ defensive lapses in their opening games – conceding goals even when they were in advantageous positions – it’s reasonable to expect the goalkeepers at both ends to be busy.

2. Correct Score Prediction: 2-2:

Going beyond just the prospect of both teams scoring, predicting a high-octane 2-2 draw between these two giants isn’t far-fetched. Chelsea’s offensive unit, despite their injuries, have a knack for breaking through defences, while West Ham have consistently demonstrated their capability to respond when pushed to the wall, especially in front of their home crowd.

Furthermore, considering the previous fixture between these two resulted in a 1-1 draw, both teams are likely to come in with improved attacking plans to secure a win, potentially resulting in more goals. But, the defensive fragility shown by both sides so far suggests that neither may be able to keep a clean sheet, making 2-2 a reasonable prediction.

3. Goalscorer Prediction: Jarrod Bowen

West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen stands out as a notable figure to keep an eye on. With a BettingTips4You rating of 8.00 and already having opened his goal tally for the season, Bowen’s form is worth noting. He’s shown his potential to be a match-winner, and given Chelsea’s current defensive injury woes, the stage seems set for Bowen to exploit any gaps.

Moreover, his versatility allows him to be positioned in various attacking roles, increasing the likelihood of him finding scoring opportunities. With Chelsea’s focus likely on other known threats like Michail Antonio, this could provide Bowen with the space and opportunities he needs to make his mark on the scoresheet.

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