West Ham v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Hammers have lost four of their nine home Premier League games since Graham Potter took over. Chelsea have won five of the last seven meetings between the clubs.

Match: West Ham v Chelsea
When: Friday, 22 August 2025, 21:00

West Ham Form

West Ham finished 14^th last season with 17 losses in 38 matches. They went without a win between rounds 28 and 35 with four losses and four defeats. A 2-0 win at Man Utd stopped the rot despite allowing 20 shots.

After losing 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest, they beat Ipswich 3-1 on the final day. This season began with a disastrous 3-0 defeat at newly promoted Sunderland. West Ham had 63% possession but could only put up 0.56 xG.

West Ham Team News

Winger Luis Guilherme is out injured. George Earthy and Crysencio Summerville are also set to play no part in this one. Graham Potter may consider some changes to his XI. Tomas Soucek could come into the team and Callum Wilson is pushing for a start up front. Kyle Walker-Peters is another option at the back.

West Ham Motivation

The Hammers need a response to last week’s poor loss. Graham Potter will be very motivated to beat his former club.

West Ham tend to have a lot of possession under this coach but they don’t create many chances.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea lifted both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup last season. They have won 14 of their last 17 matches in all competitions. They beat Benfica 4-1 in the round of 16 in the USA before a 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.

After beating Fluminense 2-0 to reach the final, they put up a superb performance to thrash PSG 3-0 in the showpiece. This term began with a tired-looking 0-0 home draw vs Crystal Palace.

Chelsea Team News

Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile are ruled out in defence but Tosin should be back to start. Wesley Fofana is fit again after a serious injury. Teenager Josh Acheampong could drop down to the bench.

Both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku will play no part as the clubs look to sell the duo. Romeo Lavia is out injured in midfield. Willian Estavao could start down the right flank in this one.

Cheslea Motivation

Chelsea were disappointed to draw their first match. That stalemate makes this match a must-win fixture.

The Blues will look to take the game to West Ham. Once leading, Chelsea could drop off and use fast counters to try to kill off the match.

Key Stats

West Ham have lost 4 of their last 9 home EPL matches

West Ham have lost 5 of their last 7 matches vs Chelsea

Chelsea have won 14 of their last 17 matches

Chelsea have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 10 matches

Verdict

This match looks sure to be tight. West Ham could make life difficult for Chelsea but the Blues should eventually get over the line.

Featured Bet: Chelsea win at 1.65

Alternate Bet: Chelsea win to zero at 3.00

Bet Builder: Chelsea win and Joao Pedro to score anytime at 2.90