Chelsea began the Enzo Maresca era with a 2-0 loss to Manchester City, but a strong seven-point haul in the following three games has lifted spirits at Stamford Bridge. They are now set to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
West Ham, managed by Julen Lopetegui, needed a last-minute equaliser to avoid defeat at Craven Cottage in their previous match and might find it tough against Chelsea.
Team news
Alphonse Areola returned in time to play against Fulham for West Ham last week, but Niklas Fullkrug, who joined this summer, is still doubtful for the upcoming match. He might join Aaron Cresswell on the sidelines.
Reece James is still recovering from a hamstring injury for Chelsea. However, Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are all expected to be fit for Saturday's game.
The stats
Chelsea has not lost in their last five away games in the Premier League.
West Ham has suffered defeats in both of their home league matches this season, losing to Aston Villa and Manchester City at the London Stadium.
Chelsea has emerged victorious in three of their last five encounters with West Ham.
West Ham’s only home victories in 2024 have been against Brentford and Luton.
Prediction
West Ham's Danny Ings, filling in for the injured Fullkrug, salvaged a point with his goal in the 90th minute at Craven Cottage. However, their prospects don't appear optimistic as they welcome Chelsea in the early Saturday kick-off.
Under Lopetegui, West Ham has lost both of their home league games against Aston Villa and Manchester City this season, continuing their poor form at the London Stadium from the previous campaign under David Moyes.
They have only managed to win two top-flight matches at home in 2024, defeating struggling teams like Brentford and Luton.
Chelsea, led by the new manager Maresca, started with a defeat but have since recorded impressive wins against Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth, making them the favored team for the upcoming clash in the capital.
Chelsea has won both of their away games this season and thrashed West Ham 5-0 in their last encounter in May. With four key players expected to return from injury and illness, Chelsea is in a strong position to secure another victory against West Ham.