Game Week 2 Predictions: Chelsea to beat West Ham

 

West Ham can peg Chelsea back again in the title race but with new additions and a manager that plays sleek football, Chelsea is the favorite in this fixture. (Photo credit: GOAL)

West Ham vs. Chelsea

The London Stadium

4:30 pm

Chelsea is expected to get in full stride in this fixture at their neighbors’ ground. The Blues labored to an entertaining 1-1 draw against Liverpool last weekend, but there were glimpses of what’s to come in the new season.

West Ham managed to earn a point at Bournemouth last weekend, but they lost a lead, which would be a source of concern to David Moyes. There won’t be a wide margin for errors when the Blues visit, as both sides will seek maximum points.

West Ham has snapped up a couple of players to cushion the effect of the departed Declan Rice, but one player that won’t be leaving again as expected is Lucas Paqueta, who could also be in some trouble with the ruling body.

Paqueta has been accused of breaching betting rules in a certain game last season where too many people staked on him to get booked, and he didn’t disappoint; it was a strange one as he’s not a player known for bookings.

Chelsea will need to find a solution to the right back position after club captain Reece James pulled his hamstring again. James’ injury woe has continued to trail the Blues as the England defender sits out other months of Premier League games.

West Ham has enjoyed a series of fine results against Chelsea, especially at their own stadium, but Chelsea’s young squad looks frightening, with fast-paced lads seeking game time. Carney Chukwuemeka and Mykhailo Mudryk would be the ones to watch out for.

West Ham’s overreliance on Jarrod Bowen may come back to haunt them; Michail Antonio needs to start scoring goals to help up front. The Hammers are expected to bring in more players, considering they’re in Europe as well.

Watch out for Moises Caicedo as he prepares to make his debut for the Blues after his mega-money switch from Brighton. Enzo Fernandes will have the freedom to roam the pitch with a sitting DM, while Conor Gallagher is expected to be the creative force.

It’s going to be a game for the neutrals to enjoy, but Manchester City and Brighton already have six points; Chelsea can’t afford to slip up again as there won’t be easy games, and they don’t want to hand other teams the headstart.

Verdict: Chelsea to win