Premier League

West Ham vs Chelsea prediction

The Premier League kicks off with a derby at the London Stadium as West Ham United look for their first points at home against an in-form Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.

Julen Lopetegui’s side have already been beaten at this stadium by Aston Villa (1-2) and Manchester City (1-3) to start the 2024/25 campaign, picking up their four points on the road – 2-0 at Crystal Palace and 1-1 at Fulham. The latter required a 90th-minute equaliser from Danny Ings to rescue a point though.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have won two of their last three since losing at home to Manchester City in their season opener. This includes maximum points on the road by hammering Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-2 and then beating Bournemouth 1-0 last weekend.

New manager Enzo Maresca has got his side seeing the majority of possession in games, and they’re creating good chances too. Against Wolves they hit the target with 8 of their 14 efforts, with 6 finding the back of the net. In their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace they hit the target with 7 of their 13 efforts despite only 1 being in-form goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Although it took a moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to break the deadlock at Bournemouth last weekend.

West Ham’s defence will be really tested on Saturday with the likes of Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson all on the scoresheet this season and all creating chances for teammates too. Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke also creating chances.

The Blues weren’t in European action midweek so will be well-rested and prepare for this game. I like the value in an away win.

Best bet: Chelsea to win is 19/20 with Bet365