Chelsea v West Ham Tips: Hammers to spoil the party at the Bridge?
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Arsenal’s defeat at Everton coupled with the inaction of Manchester United and Spurs over the weekend means Chelsea can move back into the top-four against West Ham tonight.
The Blues haven’t been in the Champions League spots since February. Three points at home to the Hammers will change that and see them leapfrog both Tottenham and the Gunners.
Can Maurizio Sarri’s men make it three wins in a row in the top-flight? Or will Manuel Pellegrini and co. extend their good recent form against their West London neighbours?
Match Odds
Chelsea haven’t had it all their own way against West Ham lately. The Irons have taken points on two of their last three visits to the Bridge and are unbeaten in three fixtures against the Blues.
A third consecutive draw between the two sides is 17/4, with a 1-1 scoreline priced at 9/1. Alternatively, West Ham are also available at 12/5 on the Double Chance.
Talking Tactics
Ruben-Loftus Cheek, Olivier Giroud, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Andres Christensen are all expected to drop out from the Chelsea side which saw off Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 last week.
That should mean recalls for the likes of Ross Barkley, Gonzalo Higuain and Willian. Antonio Rudiger could also return to the side in Sarri’s usual 4-3-3 formation.
The Hammers will set-up more defensively. That should mean Mark Noble and Declan Rice holding the fort ahead of a back-four flanked by flying full-backs Ryan Fredericks and Aaron Cresswell.
Javier Hernandez will continue to spearhead the charge up-front. He’ll be supported by Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio as the visitors look to hit the Blues on the break.
Goalscorer Odds
Higuain’s only goals so far have comes against Huddersfield Town and Fulham. Both of those sides have already been relegated. So we’re looking elsewhere in the goalscorer market.
Eden Hazard is the obvious alternative at 5/6, although Barkley has chipped in with seven goals this term and can be backed at 13/5. Hudson-Odoi is a 9/2 shot to Score Last off the bench.
Hernandez is the man in form for the Hammers. He netted twice in the 4-3 victory over Huddersfield last month and is the most likely pick to net for the visitors at 14/5.
Yet it’s Antonio who piques our interest. He landed a 28/1 shot for us against Liverpool earlier in the season and also boasts goals against Man City, Spurs and Man United throughout his career.
Where: Stamford Bridge
When: 8:00pm
Where to watch: Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
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All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
