West Ham United and Chelsea faceoff at the London Stadium on Friday in a derby that already carries weight. Both sides stumbled out of the blocks on opening weekend, and neither can afford another setback this early in the campaign.
West Ham United Overview
West Ham’s season could not have begun in a worse fashion as they were swept aside 3-0 at Sunderland. Graham Potter’s side looked flat and vulnerable, with tactical concerns already resurfacing after just one match. Having won only one of their last eight home league games from last season, the Hammers desperately need to respond, or risk their campaign spiraling before it has even begun.
Chelsea Overview
Chelsea also fell short on opening weekend, drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca’s team looked blunt in attack, struggling to break down Palace and almost losing to a disallowed free kick. The Blues now face the challenge of avoiding back-to-back goalless starts to a league season for the first time since 1995, with Maresca’s poor away record adding further uncertainty.
Team News
Potter is expected to shuffle his West Ham lineup after a poor display in the North East. Callum Wilson could be handed a first start, while Tomas Soucek or Edson Alvarez may be restored in midfield. Jarrod Bowen, who hit 13 league goals last term, remains their key attacking outlet.
Chelsea welcome Nicolas Jackson back from suspension, but Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line once again after scoring six goals in previous meetings with West Ham. Defensive options remain limited with Levi Colwill sidelined, while Wesley Fofana is still short of full fitness.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham United:
Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Alvarez, Soucek, Diouf; Bowen, Paqueta; Wilson
Chelsea:
Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Estevao; Joao Pedro
Head-to-Head
Chelsea have dominated this fixture recently, winning the last three meetings against West Ham. However, their record in East London remains shaky, with just three victories across their last 11 visits to the London Stadium. Graham Potter has yet to defeat Chelsea in seven managerial encounters, which adds another layer of intrigue to this clash.
Hot Stats and Streaks
West Ham’s defensive issues are highlighted by a recurring trend of conceding first in four of their last five home league outings. Yet, Friday nights have historically suited the Hammers, who have won four of their last five Premier League fixtures played on this day of the week.
Chelsea approach the contest with curious patterns of their own. Only one of their last eight Friday league matches has seen both teams score, while 11 of their previous 13 league goals have arrived after half-time, pointing to a side that often starts slowly but finishes strongly.
Match Info
- Venue: London Stadium
- Kickoff: 8pm WAT
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Date: 22.08.2025
