Chelsea vs West Ham Prediction and Betting Tips

As the Premier League season progresses, Chelsea is set to host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM (UK time). This London derby promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure valuable points.

Recent Form and Performance

Chelsea’s recent form has been inconsistent. After a strong start to the season, the Blues have experienced a dip, currently enduring a five-game winless streak, including two losses and three draws. This downturn led to the dismissal of manager Julen Lopetegui, with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter stepping in as his replacement. Potter began his tenure with a 3-2 victory but suffered a subsequent defeat to Crystal Palace.

West Ham United has also faced challenges this season. The Hammers have performed better away from home, securing a win at Crystal Palace and a draw at Fulham. However, their home form has been less impressive, with losses against Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Head-to-Head Record

In recent meetings, Chelsea has had the upper hand against West Ham. The Blues have won five of their last six encounters with the Hammers, including a 3-0 victory at the London Stadium in September 2024 and a 5-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge in May 2024.

Key Players to Watch

For Chelsea, midfielder Cole Palmer has been a standout performer. With eight Premier League goals at home this season, only a few players have outscored him at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham will be without Michail Antonio due to injury, and Jarrod Bowen remains sidelined. The return dates for Jean-Clair Todibo and Niclas Fullkrug are still uncertain, which could impact the Hammers’ attacking options.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Chelsea enters this fixture as the favorite. According to Dimers.com, their predictive model gives Chelsea a win probability of 71.3%, while West Ham has a 12.3% chance, and the likelihood of a draw stands at 16.5%.

BetMGM lists Chelsea as a -1.5-goal home favorite against West Ham. Additionally, the 2H Over 0.5 market has hit in each of West Ham’s last 31 EPL away matches, suggesting a trend of second-half goals in their games.

Betting Tips

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes

In eight of the last nine Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge, both teams have scored. Given the attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities of both sides, this market appears promising.

Cole Palmer Anytime Goalscorer

Considering Palmer’s impressive home goal tally this season, backing him to score anytime could be a valuable bet.

Over 2.5 Goals

Given the attacking talent on display and the defensive frailties both teams have exhibited, a bet on over 2.5 goals could be worthwhile.

Conclusion

This London derby between Chelsea and West Ham United is poised to be an exciting encounter. While Chelsea holds the advantage based on recent form and head-to-head records, West Ham has the potential to cause an upset. Bettors should consider the current form, key player absences, and historical data when making their predictions. As always, it’s essential to gamble responsibly.