Chelsea a little short in London derby
West Ham United take on Chelsea in a London derby on Saturday lunchtime.
The Blues are enduring one of their poorer seasons in a long while, with Todd Boehly’s recruitment since taking over the club proving very puzzling at times.
The Hammers brought in Danny Ings from Aston Villa in the January transfer window in an otherwise fairly quiet month, and David Moyes will be hoping that the energetic striker can get in and amongst the goals to help the club progress in the Europa Conference League and pull away from the relegation battle in the Premier League.
Joao Felix is back from suspension after the red card he received on his Chelsea debut, and that should increase the attacking threat of Graham Potter’s men.
Process
The Hammers have been underperforming unsustainably so far this season, which has seen the league table reflect on them in a negative way.
Moyes’ men have not been as consistent as they have been in the last two seasons, but they can be forgiven for that drop-off considering the quality of the squad.
Notably, Michail Antonio is not the same threat that he was, but given the Jamaican’s age and background that has hardly come as a surprise.
West Ham have a better overall expected goals (xG) process so far this season, but they, along with the West Londoners, are hindered by injuries at this point in the campaign.
West Ham will be without Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Kurt Zouma, Maxwel Cornet and Thilo Kehrer due to injury.
While Armando Broja, Christian Pulisic, Denis Zakaria, Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana are sidelined for the visitors.
The Blues have been strong defensively this season, but this could be one that opens up if the deadlock is broken early.
Goals?
Potter is very good at setting up a side to restrict the opposition’s forward line, and for that reason, along with their decent defensive record this season, I am more enamoured with a play on the Asian Handicap.
West Ham have scored in seven of ten.
West Ham have conceded in seven of ten.
West Ham have seen both teams score in four of ten.
West Ham have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Chelsea have scored in four of ten.
Chelsea have conceded in six of ten.
Chelsea have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in two of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-1, more concerns for the Blues.