West Ham faces a crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea this afternoon . After a disappointing European exit and a winless run in five games, the Irons desperately need points to maintain their hopes of a rapidly fading top-seven finish and a spot in next season’s continental competitions.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are in good form at the moment. A win against West Ham would solidify their own top-seven position and potentially deal a significant blow to West Ham’s European aspirations.
The statistics are not in West Ham’s favour. They haven’t won a Premier League game in five weeks and haven’t kept a clean sheet on the road all year.
However, their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool offers a sliver of hope, if they can potentially replicate such a performance against Chelsea.
David Moyes‘ side have won just one of their last eight league games, conceding multiple times in five of those, and their defence has looks extremely vulnerable this season when travelling. Only the current bottom three have conceded more xGA per game on their travels than the Hammers (2.35).
Despite West Ham’s August win at home against Chelsea, the recent head-to-head record at Stamford Bridge still favours the Blues. Chelsea has won the last three encounters at home against West Ham.
A potentially difficult afternoon awaits !