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Recommended bets
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Match preview
Can Chelsea kick-start their campaign?
The Blues have drawn their last two fixtures 0-0, against Liverpool and Fulham, but have never endured three successive goalless games in their entire history.
Overall, Graham Potter’s team have won just two of their last 12 Premier League outings, with their most-recent away victory coming on 16 October.
This leaves the Blues in ninth place, ten points below the Champions League spots.
In this season’s competition, Chelsea face Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion this forthcoming Wednesday, in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
Before that trip to Germany, can Potter’s side claim a much-needed victory in this London derby?
Last time out at home, the Hammers ended their seven-game winless streak in the league by beating Everton.
Then last Saturday, Lucas Paquetá’s equaliser helped them hold Newcastle to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park; a credible point.
Nevertheless, as mentioned, David Moyes’ men are still perilously close to danger.
Chelsea lost 3-2 when they last visited the London Stadium, but haven’t been beaten in back-to-back league trips to East London since 1998.
Can the Hammers add to the Blues’ misery here?
West Ham United team news
Given how impressive his team were last weekend, there’s little reason for David Moyes to tinker.
Danny Ings is still awaiting his full debut for West Ham, having made two substitute appearances so far.
Michail Antonio, who’s been directly involved in four goals in his last three appearances against Chelsea, will continue to lead the line.
At left-wing-back, Emerson will face his former club, but injury will prevent Kurt Zouma from doing the same.
Lucas Paquetá and Declan Rice have formed a solid midfield partnership, at the expense of Tomáš Souček.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Fabiański; Kehrer, Aguerd, Ogbonna; Coufal, Rice, Paquetá, Emerson; Bowen, Benrahma, Antonio.
Chelsea team news
João Félix is set to return to the starting XI having served his three-match suspension.
Another January arrival Enzo Fernández impressed against Fulham, the day after arriving in London, so will be one to watch again.
At full-back, Reece James managed an hour in that game, while Ben Chilwell could return in place of Marc Cucurella on the left.
Winger Mykhaylo Mudryk will keep his place, despite being hooked at half time last Friday night.
Édouard Mendy, Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kanté, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja remain sidelined, but Denis Zakaria and Mateo Kovačić are back in full training.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang isn’t likely to feature, as he weighs up a potential move to MLS champions LAFC.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; James, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell; Fernández, Gallagher, Mount; Sterling, Mudryk; João Félix.
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West Ham United vs Chelsea: Head to head statistics
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