West Ham and Chelsea both failed to win their opening matches of the new Premier League season, and now face each other in a London derby at the London Stadium on Friday night.
West Ham had a dreadful start, losing 3-0 away to newly promoted Sunderland. After a poor transfer window and a disappointing season last year, the pressure is already building on manager Graham Potter. Although the club’s board still backs him, results need to improve quickly. West Ham haven’t been strong at home lately, with only one win from their last eight league games there.
Chelsea drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace in their opener, thanks in part to a controversial VAR decision that disallowed a free-kick goal from Eberechi Eze. Their first four matches this season are all London derbies, which could help since Chelsea have won more of those than any other club. However, their away form is a concern. Despite winning the Club World Cup over the summer, they only won two of their last 11 away league matches last season.
Chelsea have won the last three matches against West Ham, but their record away to them is poor, with only three wins in their last 11 visits. Seeing Graham Potter in the opposite dugout might give Chelsea confidence, as he has never beaten them in seven attempts as a manager.
Looking at recent stats, West Ham have let in the first goal in four of their last five home league games. However, they’ve also won four of their last five league games played on a Friday. Chelsea’s Friday matches tend to be low-scoring, with both teams scoring in just one of their last eight. Interestingly, 11 of Chelsea’s last 13 league goals have come after half-time.
New West Ham signing Callum Wilson will hope to start and has scored five of his last six club goals in the first half. For Chelsea, João Pedro has a strong record against West Ham, scoring more goals against them than any other club. Seven of his last eight goals came before the 60th minute.
West Ham will be without Crysencio Summerville due to injury. Chelsea are missing several players, including Romeo Lavia.
West Ham haven’t been convincing under Potter, but they’ve only lost one of their last four home games against Chelsea.
