On Saturday evening, West Ham United and Chelsea will face off in a Premier League London derby.
Unlike previous derbies, this one has a lot more on the line than just bragging rights. Both teams are tied for fourth place in the Champions League qualification standings with 55 points, setting up a fascinating battle in the capital.
An injury-plagued team West Ham are no pushovers at home, but Chelsea have dominated on the road under Thomas Tuchel ahead of a potentially pivotal match for either side’s top-four ambitions.
Form & Statistics for West Ham United
West Ham were knocked out of the top four by a 3-2 loss to Newcastle last weekend. The club had conceded three goals in a single match for the third time in four league games. In their previous six games, they’ve been hit with 16.6 shots per 90 minutes on average.
As a result, the match against Chelsea could not have come at a worse time. Despite having a decent head-to-head record in the last five meetings (W3 D1 L1), David Moyes’ side is missing key players such as Michail Antonio and Declan Rice, and has recently struggled for form.
That said, West Ham have the second-best home record in the Premier League. They’ve lost only three times – to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle – at the London Stadium (W9 D4) and can take the fight to Chelsea.
West Ham, on the other hand, has the best home record in the Premier League. They’ve only lost three times at the London Stadium (W9 D4), to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle, and they’re ready to fight Chelsea.
Key Stats
They’ve won two of their last five league games (D1 L2).
They’ve won three of their last five league games at home against Chelsea (D1 L1).
In the Premier League, they are undefeated in their last five home London derbies (W3 D2).
In their last four league games, they’ve had BTTS and over 4.5 goals.
Jesse Lingard has scored in all five of his league games this season.
Jesse Lingard has been involved in 12 goals for West Ham in ten league games (9 goals, 3 assists).
Chelsea’s current form and statistics
Chelsea drew 0-0 with Brighton on Tuesday in a match that was largely overshadowed by the European Super League. They didn’t create much up front, but the point was enough to get them into the top four on goal differential.
Despite having a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel is expected to field a strong lineup against West Ham. The Blues are aiming for a record-equaling eighth Premier League double over the Hammers. If they do it again, it will be a significant step forward in their quest for a top-four finish.
It’s also worth noting that Chelsea has won all nine of their away games in all competitions under Tuchel (W7 D2). Meanwhile, the German has hinted at rotations, which could include Tammy Abraham’s return.
Key Stats
In all competitions, they have won three of their last five games (D1 L1).
Under Thomas Tuchel, the team has gone undefeated in nine away games in all competitions.
Under Thomas Tuchel, he kept 15 clean sheets in 20 games across all competitions.
Could set a new record by winning four consecutive London derbies.
Under Thomas Tuchel, Mason Mount has contributed 5 goals and 2 assists in 18 appearances.
Team News
West Ham United
Out: Darren Randolph, Andriy Yarmolenko, Delcan Rice, Michail Antonio, Michail Antonio.
Doubts: Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku.
Chelsea
Out: Mateo Kovacic.
Doubts: N/A.