Two sides searching for their first win of the season meet in East London as West Ham welcome Chelsea for a capital derby under the Friday night lights.
The Hammers endured a nightmare start, thrashed 3-0 by newly-promoted Sunderland in a performance that raised immediate concerns about their direction.
Graham Potter, already under scrutiny after a disappointing campaign last year and a quiet summer in the transfer market, needs a response.
Yet returning home may not provide much comfort, as West Ham have won just once across their last eight league games at the London Stadium.
Chelsea also opened with frustration, forced to settle for a goalless draw at Crystal Palace after a controversial VAR intervention ruled out what could have been the winning goal for Palace.
Enzo Maresca’s side face a tough run of London derbies to begin the campaign, though their history in such fixtures is encouraging.
The bigger challenge for the Blues remains on the road, having managed only two wins in their final 11 away games last term.
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea travel with confidence having won the last three meetings between these sides.
However, their record away to the Hammers in recent years is patchy, with just three victories from the last 11 league visits to East London.
One notable subplot is Graham Potter’s personal record: he has faced Chelsea seven times in his managerial career and has yet to win (D4, L3).
Form Guide & Stats
West Ham
Conceded first in four of their last five league matches at home.
One win from their last eight Premier League fixtures at the London Stadium (D3, L4).
Have, however, won four of their last five league matches played on a Friday.
Chelsea
Just two wins in their last 11 away league matches (D3, L6).
Only one of their last eight Friday league games featured both teams scoring.
Scored 11 of their last 13 Premier League goals in the second half.
Tactical Outlook
West Ham: Expect Potter to tighten his defensive shape after the Sunderland collapse. Callum Wilson, if given the go ahead from the coach, offers an outlet up front, with his sharpness in the opening stages potentially key.
Chelsea: Maresca will stay loyal to his possession-heavy style, using João Pedro and Cole Palmer to stretch play.
Chelsea’s tendency to grow into games suggests they’ll look to wear West Ham down after the interval.
Players to Watch
Callum Wilson (West Ham): New signing with a reputation for early goals, five of his last six were struck before the break.
João Pedro (Chelsea): Particularly effective against the Hammers, having scored six times in previous meetings. Seven of his last eight goals have arrived before the 60th minute.
Team News
West Ham: Winger Crysencio Summerville remains sidelined.
Chelsea: Midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined due to injury although they are both nearing a return.
Potential Lineups:
West Ham: 3-4-1-2 – Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguero; Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez, Diouf; Lucas Paqueta; Bowen, Wilson.
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Where to Watch:
United Kingdom: Skysports
United States: NBC
Canada: Fubo
India: JioHotstar
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports
Score Prediction: West Ham 1- 4 Chelsea
Conclusion
West Ham are under pressure to respond after a disastrous opening day, while Chelsea need to sharpen up away from home.
Given the Hammers’ shaky defence and Potter’s poor record against his former club, the visitors may just edge this one.