Chelsea v West Ham Betting Tips: Can the Blues climb up to third?
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Odds and preview for London derby
Chelsea may have their issues under Maurizio Sarri, but they could still go third in the Premier League table against West Ham United tonight.
It’s been hard to know what to expect from the Hammers this season, but they should raise their game for a feisty London derby.
We’ve got all the info, before the action gets started on Sky Sports Premier League at 8:00pm…
Head-to-Head
Chelsea have won four of the last 10 meetings between these sides, with three wins for the Hammers and three draws during that period.
The East London side have had the better of recent meetings though, going three games without defeat against their rivals.
Likely XIs
Sarri has a few big calls to make. Does he stick with the side that dispatched Brighton & Hove Albion so comfortably last time out? Or does he bring the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Willian and Ross Barkley back into the side?
West Ham have had plenty of time to prepare for this one, but they’ve got a long injury list to contend with.
With Marko Arnautovic and Samir Nasri doubts, Manuel Pellegrini is likely to pick Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio behind Javier Hernandez.
Key Battles
Pablo Zabaleta is vastly experienced, but that may not be enough against Eden Hazard. The electric winger will look to expose the defender’s lack of pace.
Chelsea will be hoping for more from Higuain too, if he gets the nod. He’s only scored against Fulham and Huddersfield since arriving in January. Giroud’s hold-up play helps to bring the best out of Hazard, but it’s not clear yet what the Argentine adds to the side.
West Ham will play on the break, but they’ll look to close down Jorginho whenever possible. Stopping the Italian would go a long way to disrupting the host’s rhythm.
Match Odds
We’ve got the Blues as 3/10 favourites, with West Ham back at 10/1. There’s 9/2 about the draw.
Three of the last six clashes between these sides have ended 2-1. It’s 15/2 that Chelsea win by the same scoreline tonight, while Both Teams to Score is going for 10/11.
Whoever starts up front, our traders reckon Hazard is Chelsea’s likeliest scorer. He’s 14/5 to net first or 5/6 anytime. Higuain and Giroud are 19/20 and evens respectively to net.
But the man in form is Loftus-Cheek, who’s 13/8 to bag for the third game running.
West Ham will look to Hernandez at 14/5, with Anderson a 4/1 shot to get on the scoresheet.
Click here for the latest Chelsea v West Ham odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
