West Ham vs Chelsea: Betting tips and analysis

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Connor Cain

West Ham host Chelsea in the early-kick off to kickstart the weekend's Premier League action.

Both managers have felt pressure to perform this season as both Julen Lopetegui and Enzo Maresca look to impress their new supporters, but could this lead to a cagey London derby?

Odds Now’s Connor Cain previews the clash at the London Stadium to find the best value for your pound coins.

Tale of the tape

West Ham

The Hammers have had an indifferent start to the 2024/25 season, sitting in 14th place with four points from four games.

Their sole league win came at Selhurst Park towards the end of last month, while Danny Ings rescued a very late point for them at Craven Cottage last week.

Aston Villa and Manchester City were responsible for West Ham’s two defeats and Lopetegui won’t be too disheartened there, but the Spaniard will want more from his side.

New signing Niclas Fullkrug has yet to find the net this season and will miss the fixture through injury, whilst the inconsistent but sometimes brilliant Michail Antonio is also waiting to open his account.

Danny Ings celebrates his last-gasp equaliser at Craven Cottage last weekend. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Chelsea

Chelsea have been one of the most unpredictable outfits in the Premier League for some time now.

In the words of Italian legend Gennaro Gattuso, they’re “sometimes may be good, sometimes may be”… not so good.

Christopher Nkunku’s first goal of the season was enough for Chelsea to secure all three points against Bournemouth last week, but they were helped by an Evanilson missed penalty.

If this Chelsea side can click then qualifying for the Champions League is a real possibility.

Blues fans had plenty to be optimistic about with how they ended last season, but the surprising dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino has thrown a proverbial spanner in the works.

West Ham vs Chelsea: Betting tips and predictions

I’ve highlighted question marks about West Ham in the final third, and the same questions can be asked about Chelsea.

They’re averaging two goals a game in the league so far this season, but this does not tell the full story.

A lethal display at the end of August saw them fire six past Wolves, meaning they’ve only mustered another two in three games.

I cannot see a goal fest in this clash, and backing under 2.5 goals at 8/5 at time of writing looks eye-catching. Derbies can be frenetic but also edgy.

With the uncertainty surrounding both London clubs I’d expect the latter, resulting in a slow feeling out process as both sides try not to make any mistakes.

Backing 0-0 as the half-time score comes in around 29/10 and offers great value as both managers look to find solutions to their firepower concerns.