West Ham vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction
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After defeat to promoted side Sunderland in their Premier League opener, Graham Potter's West Ham now take on world champions Chelsea.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Fubo
West Ham preview: Bad vibes
It was a nightmare start to the 2025-26 Premier League season for West Ham, who suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of promoted outfit Sunderland last weekend.
Graham Potter, who hasn't exactly excelled since taking the reigns in January, is already under pressure after such a dire result, and there is the sense that the club are going backwards right now.
Chelsea preview: Slow start
Chelsea were also underwhelming in their goalless draw with Crystal Palace - a game they were probably lucky to take a point from - but there are at least some mitigating circumstances with the Blues having seen their pre-season cut short due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Their triumph in that tournament cannot be dismissed though, and you feel it is only a matter of time before they start hitting their stride again.
West Ham team news: Guilherme out
Luis Guilherme is the only confirmed absentee with the Brazilian youngster currently dealing with a shoulder issue.
Midfielder George Earthy has trained with the group and could feature, while Crysencio Summerville is also close to making the squad after making progress in his recovery from a thigh complaint.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Alvarez, Diouf; Paqueta; Bowen, Fullkrug
Unavailable: Guilherme (Injured)
Questionable: Earthy (Fitness), Summerville (Fitness)
Chelsea team news: Jackson not considered
Nicholas Jackson has completed his suspension but Enzo Maresca has confirmed that he will not be in the matchday squad amid speculation of a move away from the club.
After missing out last weekend with a minor complaint, Tosin Adarabioyo is available and could displace Josh Acheampong in central defence, although fit-again Wesley Fofana is also an option to partner Trevoh Chalobah.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro
Unavailable: Badiashile (Injured), Colwill (Injured), Lavia (Injured), Kellyman (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Jackson (Out of favour)
Questionable:
West Ham vs Chelsea prediction
Neither side had the start to their Premier League campaigns that they would have wished for, but for Chelsea it was more a case of easing into the season after a busy summer of football.
West Ham looked well off the pace against Sunderland and there is already talk that they are set for a season of trouble. Graham Potter knows that he needs an early win to relieve some of the pressure on his shoulders, but that is unlikely to come here against a Chelsea side who should be much-improved this weekend.
Chelsea have won the last three Premier League meetings between the two sides, and we're predicting a fourth in succession here.
West Ham vs Chelsea tip: Chelsea to win
