New Delhi: Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham host Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea to start off the Premier League weekend. Lopetegui’s men have had an inconsistent start to the season, winning only one of their opening four games. The Hammers had an amazing transfer window but haven’t been able to have the same amount of success on the field. Even last weekend, they had to be rescued by a last minute Danny Ings equalizer.
After the first four games of the season the Hammers are languishing in mid-table. The new signings that the club made in the off season haven’t been given much of a chance by Lopetegui and while that might be to give them time, they need to be trusted before it gets too late for them. The London derby against Chelsea will be a good time for the manager to give his shiny new acquisitions some much needed playtime.
Chelsea, meanwhile, would be heading into the game with a lot of confidence after their late win over Bournemouth last weekend. The Blues seem to be finally hitting the right gears under Maresca and are the second highest scoring team in the league currently. This derby encounter will prove a good test for the manager to record consecutive wins for the first time as Chelsea manager.
Team News
The Hammers are sweating over the fitness of both Emerson Palmieri and Niklas Fullkrug as they both picked up injuries recently. Emerson was withdrawn in the game against Fulham after he sustained an injury and is a doubt for facing his former club. Lopetegui refused to rule him out of the contest so he could make an appearance against the Blues. Niklas Fullkrug picked up an injury to Achilles tendon and calf muscle on international duty which ruled him out of the game against Fulham and still remains a doubt for today’s game.
Enzo Maresca has another selection headache on his hands as both of Chelsea’s right-backs, Malo Gusto and club captain Reece James are unavailable for this game as confirmed by the manager in his press conference. Axel Disasi was woeful in that position last weekend and we could see Wesley Fofana start as a right-back. The good news for Maresca is that both Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury Hall are fit for this week’s clash and Romeo Lavia is also returning to full fitness.
Predicted Lineup
West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): A.Areola, A.Wan-Bissaka, K.Mavropanos, M.Kilman, V.Coufal, E.Alvarez, G.Rodriguez, J.Bowen, L.Paqueta, M.Kudus, M.Antonio
Chelsea XI (4-3-3): R.Sanchez; W.Fofana, T.Adarabioyo, L.Colwill, M.Cucurella; M.Caicedo, E.Fernandez, N.Madueke, C.Palmer, J.Sancho, C.Nkunku
Where to Watch in India?
Fans can tune into the Star Sports Network at 5:00 pm to watch the West Ham vs Chelsea game. For those looking for a streaming option, the match will also be streaming live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.
Match Prediction
Both teams have new managers and are still adapting to their new conditions and are heading into the game with contrasting results. While both teams needed late goals last weekend to gain points to get their results. Chelsea won the game thanks to a late goal from Nkunku while Ings rescued a point for West Ham in the dying minutes. However, this game might be decided before heading into the final minutes. West Ham haven’t yet clicked as a team and Chelsea are starting to. Even though the Hammers have been somewhat of a bogey team for Chelsea recently, the Blues should be able to come away with a victory.
Final Score: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
West Ham United welcome Chelsea at the London Stadium in the opening fixture of Premier League’s Matchday 4. Dive in to find out how the teams fare heading into the fixture. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
