Followers of the English Premier League have a London derby to look forward to on Saturday as top-four contenders West Ham United and Chelsea clash in Stratford. Fans are beginning to creep back into UK sporting venues, but most will be left to watch this match live on television with an advertised 17:30 GMT kick-off.
The Hammers and Blues are no strangers to meeting in competitive action and have produced some memorable matches over the years. Chelsea has dominated West Ham recently and eased to a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge just before Christmas. The Blues claimed the points that day with goals from Silva and an Abraham double. Are we in for more of the same on Saturday, or can the battling Irons score an upset?
West Ham start in fourth
This season has been the best in West Ham’s history in terms of Premier League points. Manager David Moyes was seen as a short-term option, brought in to help steer the club away from the relegation zone, but after being afforded time by the board, the Scotsman has worked his magic in East London. He has them knocking on the door of a top-four finish and spot in next season’s Champions League.
West Ham started the week in fourth place, desperately clinging on. Fans want to see them hold their ground between now and the final match to catapult the club into Europe’s elite next season. That achievement wouldn’t be on a par with Leicester City’s shock league win, but it wouldn’t be far off in terms of upsets.
Blues beat City and Porto
Chelsea is another side hoping to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and reserve their place in next season’s Champions League. The visitors started the week in fifth place, just a point behind West Ham but struggling to find the consistency needed to push them across the finish line. Nerves are beginning to creep into the Chelsea squad as they realise they have a fight on their hands.
They hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 earlier this month in the Premier League and followed that with an aggregate win over Porto in the Champions League and a 1-0 semi-final win versus Man City in the FA Cup. Confidence is high in the camp, and Chelsea has a chance to be crowned kings of Europe again.
West Ham vs Chelsea prediction
This match has all the classic ingredients, and a huge TV audience is expected on Saturday night. West Ham is the home team and is playing with confidence. They perform above expectations and will see no reason why they can’t take all three points in east London.
Chelsea has vital experience of getting over the line and bagging a top-four finish. They take heart from that cracking win over Man City, and the fact they are still in the Champions League does wonders for morale.
Premier League odds
West Ham is 4.66 to win with Chelsea 1.744 and the draw 3.76.
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