🔊 Will the opening match of the second round of the Premier League deliver in terms of goals? We're asking this for a reason, as both West Ham and Chelsea left fans wanting last weekend by failing to score in their season openers. Can they find the net in this London derby? Bookmakers are leaning towards both teams scoring and a Chelsea win as equally likely outcomes. However, Graham Potter will do his utmost to throw a wrench in the plans of his former club.

Head-to-Head

📊 Chelsea are the dominant force in this matchup. The Blues have secured 7 victories in their last 10 head-to-head encounters, while the Hammers have managed to come out on top only twice. Notably, both teams have a penchant for entertaining football, with the over 2.5 goals market hitting in 5 of their previous 6 meetings.

West Ham United Team Overview

Over the summer, expectations were high for Graham Potter to elevate West Ham to a new level. Their preseason results, with four wins out of five matches, fueled this optimism. However, the opening round of the Premier League left Hammers fans in shock. The team delivered a toothless performance and suffered a heavy defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland. Mads Hermansen, who joined from Leicester, conceded three goals, while West Ham only managed an expected goals tally of 0.63. Although their opponents weren't significantly sharper, they capitalized on their opportunities effectively—something the Londoners failed to do. Perhaps the absence of Mohammed Kudus, for whom the club hasn't found an adequate replacement, played a role.

Chelsea Team Overview

The Londoners stunned the football world with a commanding 3-0 victory over PSG in the Club World Cup final. Under Enzo Maresca, the team is visibly progressing, and fans were hopeful for a strong start in the Premier League and a push for medals. While the latter still remains a possibility, the "Pensioners" have not had the confident beginning they hoped for—that's already evident. Just a week ago, they faced Crystal Palace—a kryptonite for top teams in the EPL—and failed to break down the "Eagles'" defense. It's fair to say Palmer and his teammates didn't create a plethora of chances—perhaps only a couple of truly dangerous ones throughout the match. Thus, calling the dropped points a cosmic injustice would be an overstatement.

Latest news

West Ham United

🎙 West Ham's vice-chairman Karen Brady has thrown her support behind Graham Potter following the heavy defeat against Sunderland: “Graham is a forward-thinking manager who remains composed under pressure. He approaches his work meticulously and manages the players excellently. West Ham don't panic over managers—we support them and give them time.”

📝 Reporter Jacob Steinberg reveals that West Ham have made an improved offer for Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes. However, the Hammers' bid for Chelsea's Andrey Santos was rejected, as it's deemed an unrealistic target.

❌ In West Ham's injury list, only Crysencio Summerville remains sidelined, spending more time in recovery than on the pitch this year. There are no other injury concerns.

Chelsea

🎙 Enzo Maresca on the draw with Crystal Palace: "We always aim for victory, but unfortunately, we couldn't secure a win today. However, I believe we deserved to come out on top. Apart from the disallowed goal from the free-kick, I don't think we allowed them any real chances. At the same time, we know how tough it is to play against them and how well-organized they are. That's exactly why they managed to beat Liverpool and Man City in the finals."

📝 According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are making progress in negotiations with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho. The clubs have a good relationship. The Argentine himself is keen on joining Chelsea, having recently turned down an offer from Bayern.

❌ Chelsea are facing significant absences ahead of their upcoming match. A whole group of central defenders are out: Benoît Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Axel Disasi (who is preparing to leave the club). Additionally, Maresca cannot count on Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku, and Mykhailo Mudryk—the first two are seeking new clubs, while the Ukrainian is serving a lengthy suspension. Romeo Lavia is also injured, which limits their midfield options.

🟨 Yellow Card Prediction

🟨 Yellow Card Prediction

The match will be officiated by a team of referees led by Michael Oliver, who has notably reduced his issuance of yellow cards, not showing any in the first round game between Tottenham and Burnley. Oliver's average over the last 10 Premier League matches is 3.5 cautions (with 2 red cards).

As for the teams, they occasionally play rough, as indicated by their yellow card stats. West Ham average 2 per game, while Chelsea average 2.4 (over the last 10 league matches). The Blues even led this category last season. In the first round, both West Ham and Chelsea dropped points, so we expect heightened motivation from the teams, leading to extra emotions and fouls. This might prompt Michael Oliver to reach for his pocket. Total over 3.5 yellow cards seems like a solid betting option.

⚽️ Goal Prediction

West Ham were so unconvincing in the opening round that believing in their success against such a formidable opponent is challenging. Especially considering that the Hammers score less than 1.5 goals in 6 out of their last 7 head-to-head encounters with Chelsea in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca's side defends well through possession when necessary, making it difficult for Graham Potter's men to delight their home fans with goals.

🚩 Corner Prediction

Chelsea racked up 11 corners in their first-round game. Although it was a home match, their away average last season was impressive at 5.84 (3rd best in the league). There's no doubt that the Blues will play on the front foot, so a flurry of set pieces is to be expected. Our modest pick is total over 4.5 corners from Chelsea.

In terms of game plan execution and season readiness, these teams are on different levels. Chelsea's disrupted pre-season might impact the players' physical condition later in the season, closer to winter, but not just yet. Currently, Enzo Maresca's squad are in top shape compared to other teams and are poised to deliver results. We believe they will achieve this at London Stadium with a convincing 3-1 victory. West Ham could find the net at home, given the visitors' defense doesn't appear solid, but we don't think this will prevent the favorites from securing three points. Chelsea win is the main pick by the Scores24 editorial team.