Chelsea saw their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut to seven points but they have the chance to re-establish a double figure point advantage once again when they conclude the latest set of fixtures with a trip to the Olympic Stadium to take on rivals West Ham in the Monday Night Football.
West Ham aren’t going anywhere fast this season but I would imagine they will take that given their early campaign struggles. A win over their rivals would certainly give the fans a boost.
West Ham
As we approached Christmas it looked like this could be a real season of struggle for West Ham. It looked certain they would be involved in a relegation fight and with Dimitri Payet wanting out things didn’t look good but credit must go to Slaven Bilic, his staff and his players for regrouping and ensuring they are going to be fine this season with two months left to go.
A few clever signings in January and the return of some injured players did the trick and although they still lack a little consistency West Ham can relax and enjoy the last dozen or so matches of the campaign and push for as high a finish as they can manage.
Chelsea
The Blues have been the best side in the Premier League all season but they have only won one of their last four away games so there could be a chink in them if they are not careful although seeing their lead cut over the weekend is certainly likely to focus the mind if they needed anything to do that for them.
That is a strange recent record because Chelsea are one of the best counter attacking sides in the division. Admittedly they have been to some tough places in recent times but I would have expected slightly more. One area where they have been solid all season has been defensively. They have only shipped 19 goals all season.
Team News
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic hopes to welcome Andy Carroll back into their side after the centre forward has recovered from injury. The Hammers will be without Michail Antonio who is suspended.
Chelsea hope Eden Hazard will be fit to feature despite a knock he picked up in training. Antonio Conte’s only selection issue looks to be whether to continue with Cesc Fabregas or bring Nemanja Matic back.
Betting
West Ham already have a win over Chelsea in their new home in the EFL Cup earlier in the season but this looks to be a much sterner test than that despite Chelsea’s recent away struggles.
Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio are both key men in West Ham’s attacking unit and one is definitely out and there is no guarantee the other will play or make it through the match if he does so I’m expecting a Chelsea win here.
Chelsea have been conceding more goals recently but I wonder where West Ham goals will come from especially given their struggles against top sides at home this season. Man City have 5-0 and 4-0 wins here while Arsenal won 5-1 and Man Utd eased to a 2-0 win. I expect Chelsea to win and there’s plenty of value on them doing so without conceding.
Tips
Back Chelsea to win to nil for a 3/10 stake at 2.75 with Betbright
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