Chelsea will look to get their title charge back on track when they host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Monday evening.
The Blues were being heralded as contenders in this season’s title race, but back-to-back defeats at Everton and Wolves have led to them dropping out of the top four.
London rivals West Ham will be looking to inflict further misery and can leapfrog Chelsea with a win.
David Moyes’ West Ham were being mentioned as candidates for relegation in the summer, but they have silenced their critics so far. The Irons have secured 21 points from 13 matches – form that has taken them to within touching distance of the top four.
They will make the short trip across London with no fear, having lost just one of their last six games in the top flight.
Moyes’ side are well organised, with their flair players allowed to flourish in front of a solid base. West Ham have won their last two on the road, while their record against Chelsea also makes for pretty reading.
The Hammers have lost only one of their last six league matches at Stamford Bridge and completed a double over their rivals last season, winning 3-2 at home and 1-0 away. Backing them to avoid defeat at Stamford Bridge with the double chance draw/West Ham bet looks the way to play here.
Olivier Giroud was given another warning by France coach Didier Deschamps this month, who said the striker’s lack of game-time may affect his chances of making the European Championship squad.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard gave Giroud his chance in the Champions League against Sevilla, and Giroud scored all four goals in that clash before netting against Leeds United and Wolves.
He appears to have played his way into the position of first-choice striker for his club at least, and there is every chance he can continue his fine scoring run against a West Ham side who have conceded six goals in their last four matches in the Premier League.
West Ham’s desire may have been questioned in the past, but their current crop have shown tremendous spirit under Moyes. They are certainly playing for the manager during his second stint at West Ham, and that has been reflected in their results.
Related: Premier League: Spurs Go Top After Draw Vs Chelsea
In October, they were 3-0 down to Spurs before a late rally rescued a draw, with Manuel Lanzini scoring a stunning equaliser at the death. Last time out, they fell behind to Leeds at Elland Road before outmuscling the home side to claim a 2-1 victory.
They rescued a point on Wednesday against Crystal Palace, and in their last meeting with Chelsea, the Hammers came from behind before winning 3-2.
West Ham go into Monday’s game with a spring in their step, knowing they can leapfrog Chelsea with a victory. There is every chance they can come out on top in what could prove a high-scoring affair.
FORM GUIDE
CHELSEA: WDWLL
WEST HAM: WWLWD
HEAD TO HEAD
Last season West Ham achieved their first league double against the Blues since 2002/03. Their victory at the Bridge last term ended Chelsea’s run of 13 consecutive unbeaten home games against them in the Premier League, stretching back to September 2002.
The Hammers are looking to win three consecutive games against the Blues for the first time since a run of four between September 1972 and March 1974.
Chelsea’s most recent home win against West Ham was in April 2019, when a brace from Eden Hazard secured the 2-0 victory.
BETTING TIPS
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of West Ham’s last 6 away games in the Premier League. So we begin our prediction with over 2.5 goals which our betting partners Irokobet are offering great odds on.
Chelsea have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 3 home matches against West Ham in all competitions and are undefeated in 11 of their last 12 home matches in the league, so our smart money is on the Blues maintaining that run.
We tip Giroud to score at any time and with his form betting on that would be a wise decision.
PREDICTION: CHELSEA 2-1 WEST HAM
Talk of a title challenge from Chelsea has suddenly gone flat after back-to-back defeats. They could be nine points off top spot by the time they play West Ham on Monday.
West Ham have been ticking along nicely this season and head to Chelsea just one point behind their London rivals. The Hammers have only lost one of their last six but are starting to look tired.
West Ham actually won on their last visit to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s current form would suggest a repeat result is certainly possible. However, Chelsea haven’t lost at Stamford Bridge since the opening weekend of the season and will still be considered favourites here.
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