West Ham United FC vs Chelsea FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

West Ham United FC vs Chelsea FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The last time these two sides met, Thomas Tuchel was still in charge of Chelsea and the Blues were pushing up near the top of the table.

As it turned out, that was Tuchel’s last league game as manager and Graham Potter was brought in as his replacement. Slowly but surely, Chelsea have slipped down into midtable as a result, despite another significant outlay on new transfers in January.

Despite that, there is still optimism that Chelsea could achieve something this year, with the club still present in the Champions League and with a 10-point gap to bridge to the top four.

West Ham remain just above the relegation places after a win and a draw from their last two games. There is still a fire about David Moyes’ team that suggests they will be safe this season.

However, a couple of negative results could change all that. A home game against one of their London rivals should get them going here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

West Ham United FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Won two of their last three home games against Chelsea

     Four points from their last two in the league represents progress

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lost four of their last five in all competitions against the Blues

     Beaten in three of their last four at home

Over the past few seasons, West Ham built up a reputation of being organised, difficult to play against and very hard to beat at home.

Those strengths have melted away this season and David Moyes’ management has been called into question, as has the effort levels of his players. They spent big in the summer, remember.

Those signings, on the whole, haven’t had the desired effect, although Lucas Paqueta scored in their recent draw against Newcastle. They still rely on the tried and tested partnership of Bowen and Antonio upfront.

Although their record against Chelsea is poor, they have had some success at home in recent seasons. Regaining that home superiority will be key to how West Ham finish the season.

Star Man – Jarrod Bowen

With two goals in West Ham’s recent win over Everton – victory that saw Frank Lampard get the sack at the Toffees – Bowen showed that class is permanent. 

Chelsea FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Sterling has an excellent record against Hammers

     Won four of their last five meetings with opponents

Reasons to be fearful

     Since 16th October, Blues have just one league victory

     New signings will need time to settle

Chelsea’s form in the Premier League under Graham Potter has been nothing short of miserable. They’ve certainly taken a backstep from the days of Thomas Tuchel, but the club must look longer term.

Since the Blues’ victory over Aston Villa in October, they’ve claimed just one more – a 2-0 win over Bournemouth in December. It’s a run of form that has left them in 9th place and with little hope of a top-four finish.

Chelsea splashed a further lump of cash in the January transfer window, but must realise that their young signings will take time to settle in. They looked a little short of ideas during their recent 0-0 against Fulham.

Against West Ham, they will have to work harder to get a result, with the Hammers scrapping for every point right now.

Star Man – Raheem Sterling

Had to settle for a place on the bench recently but should start here, given his record over the Hammers. Sterling has four goals and five assists in his five appearances against their east London rivals.