Chelsea are starting to find some Premier League consistency under Enzo Maresca but they will need to be at their best to avoid a slip when they take on West Ham United in this London derby.
Since losing at home to Manchester City in their opening game, the Blues have racked up seven points from nine against Wolves, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
New boss Maresca seems to be figuring out the best way to deploy the many talented players at his disposal. something that remains a work in progress for opposite number Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham United also spent a lot of money this summer revamping their squad after the Spaniard took the reins from David Moyes.
Results have been patchy though and the Hammers have collected just four points from their four games so far in the Premier League.
A 1-1 draw with Fulham last time out, which saw me draw a frustrating blank, wasn't the worst result but West Ham need to start getting so more wins on the board to climb the table.
How the bookies view it: Blues backed to keep rolling
Chelsea's resurgence has made them evens favourites with Betano for this game, with West Ham looking a little overpriced at 11/5 with home advantage. The draw pays 14/5 and that will be popular with punters.
Recent head to head: Hammers out for revenge
West Ham suffered a demoralising 5-0 derby defeat the last time these sides faced off at Stamford Bridge back in May. But their record at home has been much better in this fixture, losing just one of the last seven. It ended in a 3-1 win for the Hammers when the Blues came calling last term.
Players to watch: Cole's still too hot to handle
Cole Palmer was Chelsea's inspiration last term, netting 25 times, but has only scored once so far in the new campaign. He has still been chipping in with plenty of assists but a goal looks overdue and he's 6/4 at Betfred for anytime scorer.
Lucas Paqueta started on the bench at Fulham for West Ham but that was because he was coming back from international duty in South America. The playmaker should be back in the team for this one and looks a little overpriced at 18/5 for a goal at Betano.
Probable line-ups
Chelsea have doubts over Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Fernandez and Ben Chilwell while West Ham are hoping summer signing Niclas Fullkrug is fit again after a calf injury. Danny Ings could get the nod up front ahead of Michail Antonio after his late leveller at Fulham.
West Ham United: Areola, Mavropanos, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, Emerson, Kudus, Alvarez, Bowen, Rodriguez, Paqueta, Ings.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Disasi, Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, Neto, Madueke, Palmer, Caicedo, Veiga, Jackson.
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea's last clash with Bournemouth set a Premier League record as a whopping 14 yellows were dished out. This fixture is usually pretty fiery as well so it could pay to back another busy day for the ref.
Over 47.5 booking points pays 5/6 at Betfred while the odds are better for individual players going in the book. West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez picked up 18 yellows last term and the Mexican is 7/4 to take his tally for the new campaign to two.
These sides are pretty evenly matched so the half-time draw also appeals at 7/5.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea will be played on Sep 21, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. 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.
