West Ham vs. Chelsea
Venue:London Stadium
Kick off:1:30PM
West Ham United head into today’s London derby with Chelsea on the back of recording their first Premier League victory of the season against Everton last weekend.
West Ham’s outlay during the summer transfer window has resulted in the rise in expectations in East London, and the club’s hierarchy and supporters finally started to get a return on their investment last weekend.
The success over Everton was far from a formality – even when leading by two goals heading into the final quarter – but the performance and result was an example of what can be achieved when everything clicks for Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
However, issues remain in defence with West Ham still yet to keep a clean sheet this season, and Everton were allowed to take 16 shots at Goodison Park last weekend.
The Hammers have a strong home record against Chelsea, but it appears inevitable that Chelsea will dominate possession and potentially frustrate their hosts this afternoon.
However, playing the role of underdogs may suit a team who are now having to deal with increased pressure each week, and that could be all the motivation that West Ham need when taking on the Blues.
Chelsea arguably look more equipped to succeed away from home given their possession-based game, with Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and PAOK barely seeing any of the ball in games on their own patch.
Maurizio Sarri will be delighted with the number of opportunities that his side are creating, but the Italian will want more of a return from both Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata, who have just one goal between them so far.
The creative trio of Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro are performing close to the top of their game, but a big plus has been the fitness and showings of Ross Barkley, who is enjoying working under Sarri.
West Ham United possible XI: Fabianski, Zabaleta, Balbuena, Diop, Masuaku, Rice, Noble, Obiang, Yarmolenko, Anderson, Arnautovic.
Chelsea possible XI: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Willian, Kante, Hazard, Giroud.