Premier League: It’s West Versus East as London Calls

Chelsea vs West Ham United

The quirk of the Premier League fixture list never ceases to amaze me. And so perhaps it is only to be expected that Graham Potter takes charge of only his second away match with West Ham on Monday night by travelling to his most recent employers.

The trip, across east to west London, is a first return to the club which sacked him after just six months in charge.
When Potter was dismissed in March two years ago (he’d only been appointed the previous September), it spoke volumes for the chaos which appeared to have engulfed the biggest spenders in world football.

Almost two years on, things have settled down this season to the extent that it is no longer quite a soap opera and they will start this game as favourites – West Ham have only won twice at Stamford Bridge in 22 years – but Potter could be forgiven for wanting to prove a point against employers who failed to give him a proper crack at succeeding Thomas Tuchel, himself harshly sacked by the then new American owners at the club.

 

Talking Points 

Perhaps the chaos has now transferred to another club because, according to reports, West Ham are finalising the departure of their technical director, Tim Steidten, after freezing him out of their transfer plans.

Steidten arrived at the club in the summer of 2023 and was soon playing a key role in the transfer market. But the 45year-old German has been under growing pressure because of a series of questionable signings.

Which makes you wonder why they sacked Julen Lopetegui if someone else was behind the recruitment.

Alas, it’s time to focus on Premier League 2025 highlights and this SBOTOP observer reckons there will be a fair few.

West Ham gained a decent point at Aston Villa last time outwhen Potter praised the spirit of his new charges, albeit he acknowledged his side was distinctly second best until the home team lost centre back Tyrone Mings to a serious injury.

For Chelsea, they took an early lead but were beaten 3-1 at reigning champions Manchester City to give an indication of what work still needs to be done if they are to challenge at the top end of the table.

That meant they have now collected six points and lost three times in their past seven league matches as they chase a top four spot and the return to the Champions League they so crave.

In truth, their form has been patchy ever since they lost at home to Fulham on Boxing Day and it will be interesting to see if manager Enzo Maresca perseveres with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.

He this week urged Chelsea supporters to stick with the custodian but no top flight goalkeeper has made more errors directly leading to a goal than Sanchez this season and there are signs that Maresca’s faith is waning.

 

History 

East meets West has produced some classic encounters over the years.

The west (Chelsea) have won 56, the east (West Ham) 44, and there have been a further 23 draws.

Last season’s meetings both went the way of the team with home advantage.

West Ham ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Nayef Aguerd, Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta (penalty). Carney Chukwuemeka replied for Chelsea.

It was more one-way traffic at Stamford Bridge in the corresponding fixturewhere the hosts hit five without reply.

On that occasion, last May, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson (two) were the goal-getters.

Chelsea were 3-0 winners at the Hammers earlier in the season when Jackson netted twice in the opening 18 minutes and Palmer added a third shortly after the break.

The very first match-up between the sides came in 1923, a goalless draw in the former Division One at Stanford Bridge.

 

Betting Tip 

Chelsea are big, big favourites with our Premier League 2025 betting,which is no surprise given their record in this fixture in the 21^st century.

You can back them 1X2 @ 1.35 or Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.36. Likewise, the Hammers are further adrift, both 1X2 @ 6.40 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.06.

The draw @ 4.82 will earn a tidy pay if it comes off, so will a repeat of their meeting earlier this term with Correct Score 3-0 on offer @ 10.50.

There are regularly a fair few goals in meetings between these two and that is expected again with bets to consider such as over 3.50 @ 2.16, Total Goal2-3 @ 2.32 and 4-6 @ 2.35, compared to 0-1 @ 5.30.

   

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