There will be fireworks when West Ham United and Chelsea go head to head in the local derby.
The Hammers aim to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to Newcastle United where centre-back Craig Dawson was sent off after just 35 minutes.
The former WBA defender is banned for Saturday’s clash, while Antonio and Rice are sidelined with injuries. Both Masuaku and Cresswell will be assessed ahead of the kick-off.
The Blues, on the other hand, failed to create a descent opportunity to score in a goalless draw with Brighton, but given the number of absentees in the home team, we believe that there is a big value in betting on Thomas Tuchel’s troops.
The former PSG tactician has a full squad to choose from except from Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury of late.
West Ham United vs Chelsea: Head to Head
Teams West Ham Chelsea played so far 41 matches.
West Ham won 9 direct matches. Chelsea won 23 matches. 9 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.68 goals per Match.
West Ham United vs Chelsea: Prediction
West Ham in actual season average scored 1.93 goals per match. In 19 (90.48%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 15 (71.43%) matches in season 2021 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Chelsea average scored 1.76 goals per match in season 2021. In 16 (66.67%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 10 (41.67%) matches played away team was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Team News:
As mentioned, Dawson's two yellow cards in the Newcastle defeat means that he is suspended for this fixture, so Fabian Balbuena could deputise at the back if Aaron Cresswell fails to overcome a thigh problem in time.
Recent reports regarding Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku's fitness have not been positive, so Ben Johnson could start on the left once again, while star man Lingard was also forced off at St James' Park but is not thought to be carrying anything more serious than cramp.
Chelsea-linked Declan Rice will not get the opportunity to impress against his former club as he nurses a knee problem, while Michail Antonio remains on the long-term absentee list for the hosts.
As for the Blues, Mateo Kovacic's hamstring problem is the only major concern for Tuchel, who should be able to call upon Thiago Silva after he sat out the goalless stalemate with Brighton.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell also enjoyed rare rests in midweek and the duo should displace Kurt Zouma and Marcos Alonso this weekend, while N'Golo Kante is another player who is surely set to earn a recall to the first XI.
Kante's return could push Mason Mount further forward as Hakim Ziyech makes way, while Timo Werner is aiming to displace Christian Pulisic on the left-hand side of the attack.
Kepa Arrizabalaga kept Edouard Mendy out of the team for the visit of Brighton, but the former Rennes man will likely return in between the sticks this weekend.
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Ogbonna, Diop, Balbuena; Coufal, Soucek, Noble, Johnson; Fornals; Bowen, Lingard
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Werner; Havertz