Huge top four clash
With six gameweeks left in the Premier League, the jostling for positions becomes more frenetic. West Ham and Chelsea are separated only on goal difference with the Blues in fourth and West Ham in fifth. The match at the London Stadium is therefore a pivotal one for the top-four race.
West Ham form
West Ham have had a wonderful season despite last week’s 3-2 defeat at Newcastle. The Hammers fought back admirably with 10-men from 2-0 down to get back on level terms but they switched off at the back to concede again.
They have conceded 10 goals in their last four games, which must frustrate David Moyes, who is well-known as a coach who thrives on clean sheets.
David Moyes’ side were not badly punished for the defeat as Chelsea and Liverpool both drew.
They have 55 points from 32 games and have won four of their last five home games, drawing one. Only Man City have more home points (38) in the Premier League this season than West Ham (31).
Jesse Lingard was quiet in the game against Newcastle but he still registered another goal from the penalty spot, taking his tally up to nine in 10 games since joining West Ham.
Chelsea form
Chelsea moved up to fourth in the table after a dull 0-0 draw against Brighton at the weekend, but they failed to really capitalise on the dropped points by West Ham and Liverpool.
Thomas Tuchel has lost just once in his 13 Premier League matches as Chelsea manager, with nine clean sheets in those matches. The Stamford Bridge side are solid and organised and rarely get opened up as they maintain a rigid system.
Their last Premier League away match was a demonstration of their attacking capabilities as they blew Crystal Palace away, winning 4-1.
Head-to-head
Chelsea won the reverse fixture 3-0 and are looking to achieve their eighth Premier League double over West Ham. However, West Ham have won three of their last five home league games against Chelsea.
Featured image: Thomas Tuchel manager of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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