West Ham v Chelsea Betting Preview, Friday 22 August
Week 2 begins this Friday as we make our way to London Stadium, where West Ham look to respond following a bruising defeat at Sunderland, while Chelsea aim to ignite their campaign after being held by Crystal Palace. With both sides under pressure to deliver early-season statements, this all-London clash has the makings of a fiery contest. Here are my thoughts, along with a betting suggestion for your consideration.
Before turning to the preview, here’s a quick glance at the Premier League title picture: Liverpool remain 37/20 favourites, Arsenal 2/1, and Manchester City 28/10. Chelsea have drifted to 10/1, with the rest of the field priced at 28/1 or longer.
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WEST HAM v CHELSEA – Click here to bet
London Stadium takes centre stage this Friday as West Ham, sitting 19th in the early standings, welcome Chelsea for their first home appearance of the campaign. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last weekend, Graham Potter’s side will be eager to respond in front of their supporters. Concerns still linger, however, after last season’s disastrous start at home, when West Ham lost all three opening fixtures and finished the campaign winless in their final five matches at the capital, claiming just three points from a possible 15. Spanning the end of last season into the start of this one, the Irons have won only two of their last 12 league appearances, leaving Potter with plenty to address if they are to convince supporters that significant improvements are underway.
Chelsea, meanwhile, make the short trip to West Ham with plenty to prove after their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in week 1. Despite being crowned World Club Champions over the summer, the stalemate against the Eagles served as a stark reminder that the Blues are far from polished if they are to mount a serious challenge against the likes of City, Liverpool and Arsenal for domestic honours this season. Following last week’s result, Chelsea find themselves 11th overall.
Away from home, Chelsea showed plenty of resilience last campaign, going unbeaten in 12 of their 19 fixtures (W8, D4, L7) while firing 10 goals in their opening three on the road. After their subdued showing against Palace, the Blues are expected to raise their game this Friday — and if last season’s meeting at the London Stadium is anything to go by, Chelsea will fancy their chances after cruising to a 3-0 victory, completing a league double over the Hammers in the process.
Head-to-Head
Recent history favours Chelsea, who have strung together three straight victories over West Ham — completing a league double last season with a 3-0 win at the London Stadium and a 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture.
Betting
West Ham 15/4
Draw 3/1
Chelsea 7/10
Verdict
This fixture provides both sides a chance to press the reset button and set a more positive tone in the early stages of the season. West Ham’s struggles at home last season will be at the forefront, however, and unless they find a cutting edge in the final third, they risk another frustrating evening in front of their supporters. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be keen to respond after a subdued opening draw, and with their strong away record from last term providing confidence, the travelling side looks set to register their first league win of the season here.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result – Chelsea at 7/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
