Prediction and odds for the game: West Ham (10/3) vs Chelsea (17/20)

We are backing the draw at odds of 13/5

When: Saturday, 24th April 2021, Kick-off 17:30

Where: The London Stadium

On Saturday afternoon, West Ham host Chelsea at the London Stadium, in what could be a vital derby in the race for the Champions League spots in the Premier League.

West Ham

The Hammers have without a doubt been the surprise package of the Premier League campaign. David Moyes team are only outside the top-four courtesy of an inferior goal difference to Saturday’s fourth-place visitors.

A 3-2 defeat at Newcastle United last time out was a blow to their top-four aspirations. The loss ended a mini two-game winning run in the English top-flight. The game at St James Park at least saw the Hammers continue a prolific run of form in the Premier League, as they have now scored at least two goals in their last four league outings. At the other end of the pitch, they have also conceded at least twice in each of the same four league matches.

West Ham’s recent home form has been good, as the Irons have won six of their previous eight matches on home soil in the English top-flight. They have also scored at least twice in their last five home games in the Premier League.

Chelsea

Although Chelsea’s form has improved of late under Thomas Tuchel, their recent league results have not been great. A goalless draw with struggling Brighton last time out means that the Blues have won just once in their last four league matches. The game against the Seagulls was a welcome return to defensive solidity for the visitors, who have now kept five clean sheets in their last seven outings in the Premier League.

Chelsea have been difficult to beat on their travels of late, as they are undefeated in their previous six away games in the league, having recorded four wins in the process. Their recent away games in the English top-flight have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last eight league matches on the road.

The visitors have a poor recent record at West Ham, losing four of their last six games at their London rivals while recording just one victory. The Blues never seem to enjoy a visit to the Hammers.

Conclusion

There is very little between these two teams in the race for a Champions League spot next season. The pair have both enjoyed mixed results of late and we believe they will cancel each other out, so are backing the draw. The other bet we are backing is Jesse Lingard to be an anytime goalscorer, as the on-loan Manchester United attacking midfielder has been in red hot scoring form in recent games.

Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 13/5 and/or Jesse Lingard to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 2/1. (All odds are taken from Bet365).

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Who will win this potentially vital capital derby?