West Ham United v Chelsea Premier League preview

West Ham’s horrible form continued last week as they now lie 19th in the Premier League. Chelsea got back to winning ways and look to continue that at rivals West Ham on Sunday.

West Ham United

A goalkeeping howler from Robert Green when the scores were level allowed Ivan Klasnic to knee home a Bolton lead as they went on to win 3-1 in a crucial game at the bottom of the division. We’re nearly halfway through the season and it’s hard to see where West Ham are going to get their points from. Still with no new takeover complete and January fast approaching, fans are right to fear losing some of their better players in January. Their have been murmurs of Scott Parker moving to Liverpool (that’d be a good move for Liverpool I think) and even talk of Chelsea planning a bid for Rob Green (which I find to be optimistic to say the least). Carlton Cole’s absence has really hurt them in attack as they could only put 1 past Bolton midweek; their only goal in 3 December matches. Chelsea’s defence has been exposed in recent games and West Ham will need to capitalise on that. But once again I expect their attack to fail to produce much in this game while their defence to be overpowered by the talent on display for Chelsea.

Form
DWLLL

Injuries/Suspensions
Luis Jiminez
Valon Bahrami
Carlton Cole
Calum Davenport
Luis Boa Morte

Chelsea

A scrappy win over Portsmouth on Wednesday night should get Chelsea back on track. With the way West Ham are playing, they should win this more than by the odd goal, but I thought the same on Wednesday. Didier Drogba remains a doubt with a back injury and they really missed him last time. Nicolas Anelka scored the opening goal and he can be more effective without Drogba. Frank Lampard and Joe Cole have both scored in Chelsea colours at this ground and are likely to be spurred on playing against their former team. Chelsea have won on their last 4 visits to Upton Park. With Manchester United winning here 4-0 recently, I expect Chelsea to be doing similar. The midfield is a key battle in any match and West Ham do have good players in their midfield. Without Michael Essien, Chelsea are weaker and West Ham have a small chance of making something happen if they can match up to the Chelsea midfield.

Form
WWLDW

Injuries/Suspensions
Michael Essien
Daniel Sturridge
Jose Bosingwa

It comes as no surprise that Chelsea’s odds are poor. While I don’t see past them in this match if West Ham can keep it tight for 30 minutes with a tough atmosphere we’ll start to see some respectable odds. Or we can keep our fingers crossed the Hammers are level in the second half like Portsmouth midweek and get some nice odds again!

Best bet: Chelsea to win 2/5