There are still many matters to resolve in the Premier League as we approach the end of the season, including European qualification.
The game between Chelsea and West Ham will be played on the 5th of May at Stamford Bridge.
There is little to separate the teams in the league table going into this match and both teams know a victory would enhance their chances of European football next season.
Twenty goals so far this season for @_JarrodBowen 💫 pic.twitter.com/iPVemgzBY4— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 2, 2024
Twenty goals so far this season for @_JarrodBowen 💫 pic.twitter.com/iPVemgzBY4
Chelsea come into the game having played Tottenham Hotspur at home on Thursday night in the Premier League.
That match was on the back of a good 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last weekend in the Premier League.
Chelsea were 2-0 down at the interval but were playing some decent football and came back strongly in the second half, scoring two goals, including an 81st minute equaliser.
The draw at Aston Villa was a good response to the hugely disappointing 5-0 loss at Arsenal in the league. Chelsea were torn apart that day and without Cole Palmer to pull the strings in attack, they failed to find the back of the net.
Ahead of the game against Spurs, Chelsea were undefeated in each of their last 4 home Premier League fixtures.
There were wins over Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Everton. Trends show both teams have scored in 4 of Chelsea’s 5 most recent home league matches, not including the game against Spurs.
West Ham make the short trip to Stamford Bridge having picked up a point last time out at home against Liverpool.
The Hammers led the game 1-0 at half time but Liverpool scored early in the second half and took the lead in the 65th minute. West Ham stayed in the game and scored the equaliser 13 minutes from time.
The draw with Liverpool means West Ham have failed to win any of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions.
There have been defeats against Fulham at home and Crystal Palace away in the Premier League plus a 2-0 loss at Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.
Statistics show West Ham have lost 4 of their last 6 away Premier League games.
In West Ham's last 4 away matches in the Premier League, there have been over 2.5 goals scored and they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 15 games in the Premier League.
Team news: Chelsea are without the injured duo of Enzo Fernández and Roméo Lavia. There are several other players who could miss out including Thiago Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto, Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana.
West Ham travel without injured central defender Nayef Aguerd. There are doubts over the fitness of Konstantinos Mavropanos and George Earthy.
Both teams know they need to win this game if they are to finish in the top six this season.
We expect plenty of attacking intent in this match and for both teams to score. Chelsea have shown some signs of improvement in recent home matches and could win by a single goal margin.