West Ham v Chelsea: Blues should make light work of London rivals

West Ham United v Chelsea
Saturday, 12:30
Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Hammers face testing run

You wonder what look came over the face David Moyes once he'd sat down in his office, after all the bluster of his unveiling at West Ham, and actually looked at the fixture list. After losing to Manchester City last weekend, Moyes and his men now face in-form Chelsea, with Arsenal to come in midweek. Opening sequences don't come much more testing than that.

If Moyes was hoping to have an instant impact in east London, it has not really happened. There was a little grit on display against Leicester (1-1) but the shellacking at Everton underlined West Ham's frailty and they never looked likely to cling onto their shock lead at the Etihad last time out. A 2-1 loss to the league leaders is nothing to get too frantic about, but it's still a loss and the Irons will be aware that those above them are picking up points.

Moyes will again be without Javier Hernández and Andy Carroll, meaning Michail Antonio is likely to reprise his role up front. The more pressing issue is whether Cheikhou Kouyaté, who was forced off early last weekend, is fit to play. If he is not, a tactical reshuffle is likely, with potential midfield replacements in short supply.

Chelsea looking to forget midweek frustration

There was midweek frustration for Antonio Conte, who saw his side's grip on top spot in their Champions League group loosen before his very eyes. Chelsea needed a win to be sure of progressing as section winners but were not at their best against Atlético Madrid, falling behind early in the second half and ending up with a 1-1 draw that allowed Roma to leapfrog them in the standings.

That is likely to make the second-round draw more problematic than it could have been, but Conte must content himself with the knowledge that, on current form, the Blues are probably a match for anyone. Chelsea have won eight of their last 11 in all competitions, creeping stealthily up the Premier League table in the process. This weekend is a big opportunity to close the gap to Manchester City and/or United, who play on Sunday.

Marcos Alonso was given the night off on Tuesday and should return to the XI, meaning one of Davide Zappacosta or Victor Moses will make way. The latter, having tormented Newcastle down the right last weekend, looks the more likely to get the nod. Elsewhere it will likely be more of the same, with a central midfield three allowing Eden Hazard the freedom to express himself.

Blues cruise on the cards?

West Ham have struggled against Chelsea in recent times, winning just two of their last 22 Premier League games with the Blues, including both meetings last season. One of these sides has its tail up while the other is in a bit of a rut, so it's no major surprise that Chelsea are 1.51 favourites to triumph.

That's a fairly skinny price, so it could be worth being a bit more ambitious about the away team's chances. Hazard could well torment a group of defenders who will be low on confidence and who shipped four goals in their last home game against top-six opposition (1-4 against Liverpool). Chelsea to win and over 2.5 goals looks a solid pick at 5/4.

Goals look likely

Eight of Chelsea's 10 away games in all competitions have produced three goals or more, and they hit four on trips to Stoke, West Brom and Qarabag. West Ham cannot be relied upon to contribute much to the goals tally on current form, but over 2.5 goals still looks the pick here at 1.84.

Hazard warning for Hammers

Hazard has been directly involved in seven goals in his last eight Premier League games against the Hammers (four goals, three assists) and has been in red-hot form, scoring six in his last seven outings for club and country. He will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing old enemy Pablo Zabaleta and could be value at 2.42 to notch.

Recommended Bet
2pts Chelsea to win and over 2.5 goals at 5/4