Chelsea will resume their 2023-2024 Premier League campaign against their London rivals, West Ham United at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, 2023.
The two London sides are going into the first London derby of the new season at London Stadium after recording a 1-1 draw in their respective opening league game.
Last weekend, coach David Moyes’ side were losing against Bournemouth until in the 51st minute before Jarrod Bowen brought them back to the game.
They might not be that lucky against Chelsea who are condemned to return to winning ways with their expensive crop of players. A draw or a defeat to West Ham on Sunday might put the club’s new coach, Mauricio Pochettino on the hot seat, a development he won’t want to have at this early stage of the season.
West Ham Vs Chelsea Preview: Team News
West Ham United are welcoming Chelsea to the London Stadium without any injury worries but they will be playing in front of their home fans without their captain Declan Rice who has made a then-British club record move to Arsenal this summer.
In his absence, West Ham have signed midfield duo Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse who could make their London Stadium debut on Sunday.
Paqueta who has attracted the attention of Manchester City and could move to the club this summer, could be Ward-Prowse’s midfield-partner in tomorrow’s game.
On the other hand, Chelsea are going into the game with a series of injury worries. The club’s new captain Reece James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Other players like Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are down with thigh injuries, while Wesley Fofana, Armando Broja, and Christopher Nkunku are battling to recover from knee injury.
Also, Marcus Bettinelli who has become the club’s second-choice goalkeeper after Kepa’s loan move to Real Madrid this summer, won’t be available for the game.
West Ham United probable lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio
Chelsea’s probable lineup:
Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Chilwell; Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson
Prediction: Chelsea have a 45 percent chance of beating West Ham who have a 28 percent chance of winning. Hence, Chelsea are expected to grab a 2-1 away win on Sunday.
