WEST HAM
(FORM GUIDE: WWLWDD)
A stunning campaign by West Ham last season was one of the highlights of a year that saw one shock after another. Twelve months on, it looks like it flattered to deceive. Despite picking their form up recently, The Hammers woeful start to the season has left the London side way down the pecking order, and short of competing for the converted European places.
Can Slaven Bilic mastermind a win for West Ham and give Chelsea's title rivals a glimmer of hope?
Manager Slaven Bilic came under increasing pressure following their 5-1 defeat to Arsenal at the start of December, but an upturn in form saw his side climb away from the relegation zone. They now sit comfortably mid-table and although not a disaster, it is seen as a backwards step for a side that saw itself as one of the outside contenders to challenge for a Champions League spot in May.
A draw for them last time out against struggling Watford was seen as two dropped points by Bilic, and the Croatian will be keen to get the best out of his side, which will be vital as the visitors will be trying to extend their lead at the summit of the table.
Up next for them are their neighbours and the current league leaders Chelsea. Attacking players such as Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio will be key to the side's fortunes in this fixture, but it will be Chelsea's fire power likely to be the determining factor. West Ham, despite their upturn in form are still decidley shaky in defence, and have kept just one clean sheet in ten games and were humiliated 5-0 in the FA Cup and 4-0 in the League, both times at home by Chelsea's closest contender for the league, Manchester City.
If West Ham can keep Chelsea quiet early on in the game, Carroll, who has been in great form recently will be their main threat, and set-pieces could be key to the final outcome.
Andy Carroll's presence from set-pieces will be West Ham's weapon of choice when they take on Chelsea.
CHELSEA
(FORM GUIDE: WWDWDW)
The league leaders are looking unstoppable in their quest for the title. An impressive campaign by Antonio Conte's Chelsea, in which is the Italian's debut season in the Premier League, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Twelve months ago, the side were looking over their shoulders at the relegation battle and looking for a new manager. It didn't get much better at the start of this season, and Conte has completely turned it around following their shaky early performances. He looked to be struggling to find his feet following his arrival at Stamford Bridge and took a 3-0 first half pounding by Arsenal, in which he changed to a back three in defence at the break which per-emptied the stunning winning run of fourteen games.
Antonio Conte's Chelsea face West Ham this weekend in what looks like one of their few remaining tricky ties?
The inevitable march by Chelsea to the title now has less than twelve games to run and whilst nothing can be taken for granted it looks incredibly hard to call another winner of the title now. Conte may see this weekend's fixture as one of the few stumbling blocks for which his side have to overcome in their race for the crown.
The race for the title looks increasingly like it could come down to a few fixtures and if Chelsea can maintain their form, which has seen them rise to the summit, there are a couple of games such as this weekend's that could allow the chasing pack to close the gap. Chelsea do not play till the following week, so expect a full strength line-up as Conte tries to guide his side to the title.
N'Golo Kante has been in imperious form this year and looks like becoming a double Premier League winner at the end of the season.
Defensivley solid, attacking play sublime, midfield purring and a manager who has captured the hearts of their fans allows any football fan to be deeply envious of a football team which looks like it has found its mojo.
STATS
- West Ham have received four red cards this season, Chelsea have none.
- Chelsea have scored 39 goals from open play, West Ham have scored just 15.
- On average, Chelsea win just 14.8 aerial duels per game, West Ham win an impressive 19.3.
- On average, attempted shots blocked by West Ham per game 3.1 whilst Chelsea have 1.9.
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CURRENT BEST MATCH ODDS
WEST HAM: 11/2 with Betfair Sportsbook - Bet Here!
DRAW: 16/5 with Betfair Sportsbook - Bet Here!
CHELSEA: 8/13 with bet365 - Bet Here!
SUMMING UP!
A game that looks quite hard to call, despite Chelsea being huge favourites for this game. West Ham will relish the opportunity to put one over their rivals and try to put a dent in their race for the crown. The league leaders know that this fixture could be one of the few that may provide a potential banana skin for them, in what now looks like their title to lose. Set pieces could be key to this game and although Chelsea are more than adept at dealing with them, West Ham's aerial ability could be a key ingredient to a game that looks a belter. A draw looks very likely here.
MY RECOMMENDED BETS
- Andy Carroll to score first 10/1 with bet365 - Bet Here!
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- Eden Hazard to score the game's last goal 11/2 with bet365 - Bet Here!
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