Chelsea vs West Ham Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Chelsea return to domestic action with a London derby against a West Ham side who are showing signs of life.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Fubo
Chelsea team news: Palmer to start?
After making a positive impact off the bench midweek, Liam Rosenior has stated that Cole Palmer is ready to start, which could mean Enzo Fernandez reverts to a more defensive midfield role.
Of the injured quartet, Tosin Adarabioyo is thought to be the closest to recovery.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro
Unavailable: Adarabioyo (Injured), Colwill (Injured), Lavia (Injured), Essugo (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary)
Questionable:
West Ham team news: Santo & Traore reunited
Nuno Espirito Santo is blessed with a near fully-fit squad as only goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is currently missing due to an ongoing back issue.
New signing Adama Traore, reuniting with his former Wolves boss, could make his Hammers debut after he completing his move from Fulham in the past week.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Pablo; Castellanos
Unavailable: Fabianski (Injured)
Questionable:
Chelsea vs West Ham prediction
Chelsea come into this contest having won their last four games across all competitions, most recently defeating Napoli 2-3 on Wednesday to secure their top-eight finish in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues were 1-3 victors at Crystal Palace last weekend, and at the time of writing only Arsenal and Man City boast a better defensive record in this season's Premier League campaign.
Although they are five points from safety heading into the weekend, West Ham have won back-to-back Premier League games as Espirito Santo seeks to inspire their revival.
The Hammers struck three times in the first half during their 3-1 win over Sunderland last weekend, and they will look to catch Chelsea cold here with their opponents having embarked upon a big European trip midweek.
With some form of confidence returning to the visitors, we think both teams may find the net here, which has been the case in the last two meetings between the sides.
Chelsea vs West Ham tip: Both teams to score
