THERE'S always an edge to London derbies between West Ham and Chelsea but the stakes have been raised for this one with both sides in the hunt for a Champions League place.
The Hammers have been one of the stories of the season, with David Moyes transforming them from relegation battlers into top-four contenders.
They let me down last weekend by losing 3-2 at Newcastle but West Ham almost managed to fight back for a point with 10 men after trailing 2-0 at half-time.
Joe Willock's late winner for the Magpies gave Chelsea the chance to move clear in fourth but they could only draw 0-0 at home to Brighton on Tuesday and just goal difference is now keeping them above the Hammers.
That has set the stage brilliantly for this match and further spice has been added with Chelsea's involvement in the doomed European Super League.
West Ham blasted the rebels before the house of cards collapsed in midweek so they will be desperate to shoot down their London rivals here.
How the bookies view it
Only Porto and West Brom have managed to beat Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel took over and they are odds-on favourites here at a best 11/13 with SBK. West Ham are 19/5 with Unibet while the stalemate pays 29/10 with the same firm.
Recent head to head
There has been nothing between these sides in recent seasons, with the last 10 derbies producing four Chelsea wins, four West Ham victories and two draws. The Blues won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season but the Hammers triumphed 3-2 (below) in the last clash at the London Stadium.
Players to watch
Jesse Lingard delivered when I flagged him up for a goal at Newcastle, netting from the spot. The on-loan Manchester United has been superb since joining in January and is a tempting 27/10 at Unibet for another goal here.
Chelsea's success under Tuchel has been based on their defence with none of their strikers getting among the goals. But midfielder Mason Mount has netted twice in their last six games and is 3/1 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea's last three games have delivered just two goals and with so much at stake in this game it could be cagey. Under 2.5 goals is 9/10 with TonyBet and that looks pretty good value, especially for accumulators.
This one could get a bit fiery so it could pay to dabble in the card markets, where over 3.5 cards appeals at 17/10 with Unibet.
I'm expecting a tight game and a one-goal winning margin for either side pays 7/5 with TonyBet.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea will be played on Apr 24, 2021 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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