As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, the battle for European qualification intensifies, with Chelsea facing West Ham at Stamford Bridge on May 5th.
Match Preview
Both teams are closely matched in the league table, knowing that a win would boost their chances of European football next season.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at home on Thursday in the Premier League, following a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last weekend.
Despite being 2-0 down at halftime against Aston Villa, Chelsea rallied in the second half, scoring two goals, including an 81st-minute equalizer.
Their draw against Aston Villa was a good response after the disappointing 5-0 loss to Arsenal, where Chelsea struggled without Cole Palmer in attack.
Before facing Spurs, Chelsea had been undefeated in their last 4 home Premier League matches, securing wins against Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Everton.
West Ham comes to Stamford Bridge after securing a point against Liverpool at home.
Although they led 1-0 at halftime, Liverpool equalized early in the second half and took the lead in the 65th minute, but West Ham managed to score the equalizer 13 minutes from time.
This draw extends West Ham’s winless streak to 5 games in all competitions, including defeats against Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Recent statistics show that West Ham has lost 4 of their last 6 away Premier League games, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last 4 away matches.
Team News & Updates:
Chelsea is without Enzo Fernández and Roméo Lavia due to injury, with doubts over Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto, Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana.
West Ham’s central defender Nayef Aguerd is injured, while doubts remain over Konstantinos Mavropanos and George Earthy.
Prediction & Analysis:
- Chelsea 2-1 West Ham
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