Chelsea vs West Ham: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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Match Overview

Monday night’s Premier League showdown sees Chelsea host West Ham United in a fierce London derby at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have had a mixed start to the new year. After two wins and two draws, a 3-1 loss to Manchester City exposed their defensive flaws and inconsistency. The Blues have now struggled for form at home, conceding in 10 of their 11 league games this season. They have also dropped points after scoring first in several matches—a trend that could cost them dearly as they fight to secure a top-seven finish.

Meanwhile, West Ham have endured their own difficulties under Graham Potter. A recent 1-1 draw with Aston Villa saw them miss several chances, despite showing flashes of promise with a seven-match scoring streak away from home. With Potter eager to make history by becoming the first former Chelsea manager to beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, West Ham must improve on their record from previous derbies to steal points from their London rivals.

Team News & Tactics

Chelsea

Chelsea face the London derby without several key players. Mykhaylo Mudryk is serving a suspension, and injuries have sidelined Omari Kellyman (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Wesley Fofana (hamstring), and Benoit Badiashile (thigh).
A major talking point is goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, whose costly errors have led to five goals this season. Despite criticism, manager Maresca is sticking with him for now, with Filip Jorgensen ready to step in if needed.

Expect Chelsea to use a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Defenders: Reece James (right-back), Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill (center-backs), and Marc Cucurella (left-back)
Midfield: Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will anchor the midfield.
Attacking Midfield: Noni Madueke will play on the right, Cole Palmer in the center as the creative force, and Pedro Neto on the left.
Striker: Nicolas Jackson will lead the line.

Probable Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

West Ham United

West Ham have also been hit by injuries. Graham Potter confirmed that winger Jarrod Bowen is training and is hopeful of playing, though Lucas Paqueta remains doubtful with a groin issue. Other absentees include Crysencio Summerville (hamstring), Michail Antonio (leg), Niclas Fullkrug (thigh), and Jean-Clair Todibo (unspecified).

Potter is expected to set up his side in a 3-4-2-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
Defenders: A back three of Vladimir Coufal, Max Kilman, and Konstantinos Mavropanos
Wing-Backs: Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right and Emerson Palmieri on the left provide width.
Midfield: Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez will control the center of the pitch.
Advanced Midfield: Lucas Paqueta (if fit) is likely to join Mohammed Kudus in a more advanced role.
Striker: Jarrod Bowen will be the main goal threat.

Probable West Ham Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Areola; Coufal, Kilman, Mavropanos; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Alvarez, Palmieri; Paqueta, Kudus; Bowen

Key Stats

Head-to-Head Record: Chelsea have won the last two league meetings with West Ham by an aggregate score of 8-0, including a 5-0 demolition late last season.
Home Form: Since Christmas, Chelsea have scored the opening goal in five of six league matches, but have dropped 10 points after taking the lead.
Early Goals: West Ham have conceded nine goals in the opening 10 minutes of matches this season, while Chelsea have netted five in the same time frame.
Recent Performance: Chelsea have lost three of their last six league games—an equally high number as they had in their previous 32 matches combined.

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Cole Palmer
Operating as the central playmaker in Maresca’s 4-2-3-1, Cole Palmer has been key to Chelsea’s attacking moves. His ability to thread precise passes and create goal-scoring chances will be essential against a West Ham side known for its physicality and resilience. Palmer’s calmness on the ball and intelligent movement can unlock even the tightest defenses, providing vital service to Nicolas Jackson up front.

Chelsea vs West Ham Prediction

Chelsea will be determined to correct their defensive lapses and hold onto their early leads, while West Ham must improve their away form if they are to upset the Blues. Expect a close contest in a derby that could go either way, but with Chelsea’s home advantage and attacking talent, our prediction is: