Chelsea and West Ham United will face off in the London derby tomorrow as both sides are in desperate need of points. The Blues are still mathematically in the race for a top-four finish but are slowly running out of games.
Liverpool drew their game against Everton in the Merseyside derby, so it gives Chelsea the chance to close the gap to eight points. Antonio Conte’s side will have a game in hand after tomorrow’s fixture, so they are still in with a chance.
West Ham, on the other hand, are five points ahead of Southampton but need to ensure they increase that gap and avoid a nervy ending to the league campaign. Last weekend’s win over the Saints was a morale-booster but they’ll still start as underdogs at Stamford Bridge.
In the last five games between the two sides, West Ham have given a good account of themselves. They’ve won twice and drawn once. Their team does have a few players and considering how Chelsea have had a few surprising losses this season, we can’t really rule anything out.
Team news
The Blues will have a few key players returning. Thibaut Courtois has had an inconsistent season, but his potential return will strengthen the team at the back. Pedro Rodriguez is in line for making a return as well.
West Ham were handed a blow when Michail Antonio was ruled out for the rest of the season following his injury against Southampton. Manuel Lanzini could, however, return.
Probable team
Chelsea’s attack should be too much for the West Ham defence. The likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Alvaro Morata will be up against a side who have conceded 57 goals this season. In midfield, Cesc Fabregas’ creativity and N’Golo Kante’s tenacity will be the perfect combination against a disjointed West Ham attack. Emerson could be given the nod ahead of
West Ham, on the other hand, could once again go with a three-man defence of Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell. They conceded seven goals combined against Swansea City and Burnley, so Chelsea could have a field day.
Chelsea XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Emerson, Kante, Fabregas, Moses; Hazard, Willian, Morata
West Ham United XI: Hart; Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Masuaku; Mario, Lanzini, Arnautovic
Odds
Chelsea: 2/7
Draw: 19/4
West Ham United: 10/1