Premier League
Chelsea vs West Ham United Preview
- Date: Apr. 8, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: NBCS and UNIVERSO
- Location: London, England
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
- Seating Capacity: 41,631
Chelsea will look to continue their challenge for top-four finish when they take on West Ham in another London Derby.
After a convincing win over Brighton last week, the Blues moved up to fifth place which sees them closer to their goal.
Meanwhile, West Ham currently sit 11th and are coming off a defeat at the hands of Everton last weekend.
Team News
With the Europa League last eight match up against Slavia Prague on Thursday, the Blues may evaluate their most valuable players. However, Gonzalo Higuain, Willian and Ross Barkley may return to the lineup after being rested by Maurizio Sarri last Wednesday.
Sarri will also have to decide if to give Callum Hudson-Odoi back to back starts. The youngster impressed Blues’s fans after a great outing against Brighton.
Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are doubtful but will be assessed further and will remain a game time decision.
Meanwhile, the Hammers will be without Andy Carrol, Carlos Sanchez, Winston Reid, Andriy Yarmolenko and Jack Wilshere who are sidelined with injuries.
Manuel Pellegrini may have to rely on the return of Felipe Anderson, Samir Nasri and Ruan Frederick.
Possible Lineups
Chelsea XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Barkley; Pedro, Higuain, Hazard.
West Ham XI: Fabianski; Zabaleta, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble, Lanzini, Rice; Antonio, Arnautovic, Anderson.
Prediction
The Blues are unbeatable against the Hammers since 2002 at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, Chelsea cannot afford a slip at home if they want to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive. Though a convincing win may not necessary remove any pressure from Sarri’s back, it will ease it for another week. Pressure will mount for the 60-year-old manager if he’s unable to against Slavia Prague on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Pellegrini continues to not use Mexican star Chicharito Hernandez on an offense that lacks goals.
Prediction: Chelsea 3 – 1 West Ham United
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