Round two of the new Premier League season gets up and running on Friday night with a London derby between West Ham and Chelsea.
The second matchday of the Premier League resumes on Friday night as Chelsea, fresh from their Club World Cup triumph, travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham.
The Hammers will be looking to bounce back after a nightmare start to the league campaign, losing 3-0 away to newly promoted Sunderland, while the Blues aim to claim their first win of the season following a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace.
Chelsea head into this match with the upper hand in recent meetings, having won seven of the last 10 encounters between the pair, including doing the double over West Ham last season.
West Ham vs Chelsea Tips
- Chelsea -1 on Handicap 3-way @ 17/10
- Joao Pedro anytime goalscorer @ 5/4
- Cole Palmer to assist 1+ goals @ 14/5
Pays out at 8/1
Blues to extend winning run against Hammers
Both sides endured frustrating starts to the season, with West Ham hammered 3-0 by newly promoted Sunderland, while Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea perhaps benefited from a touch of luck after Palace had a goal ruled out by VAR, but the Blues also created late chances that could have secured all three points. The draw was a fair reflection of the game, yet only a win will suffice when they travel to the London Stadium.
West Ham, by contrast, looked out of sorts in their opener. The Hammers were easily breached by Sunderland’s attack and struggled to create meaningful chances themselves, leaving lingering questions about the squad’s balance and effectiveness going forward.
The ease with which Sunderland carved their way through West Ham suggests the attacking talents of Chelsea will do so on numerous occasions and taking the Blues to win by more than one goal appeals as they face a team who look toothless in front of goal.
Leg 1: Chelsea -1 on Handicap 3-way @ 17/10
Joao Pedro could grab first Chelsea Premier League goal
Enzo Maresca’s side were impressive throughout the Club World Cup, none more so than in their 3-0 victory over PSG in the final, which provided a blueprint for how they can achieve success this season.
As always with Chelsea, there are several new signings to integrate, particularly in attack, where newcomers Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao and Liam Delap will need to settle quickly if the Blues are to be genuine title contenders this season.
Joao Pedro is a proven Premier League scorer and made an immediate impact at Chelsea during the Club World Cup. The former Brighton man hit three goals in three games, linking up well with his new teammates.
Leg 2: Joao Pedro anytime goalscorer @ 5/4
Palmer to pull the strings
Cole Palmer went off the boil slightly towards the end of last season, however, his Club World Cup displays eradicated any long-term doubts about his ability to run the show for Chelsea.
Three goals and two assists in six matches saw Palmer take the Golden Ball award for Player of the Tournament, and his link-up with Joao Pedro was instantaneous.
Despite a plethora of new forward signings at Stamford Bridge, Palmer is still key to the Blues’ attacks and plays in the No.10 role, pulling the strings. Back the England international to create a goal for a teammate against West Ham.
Leg 3: Cole Palmer to assist 1+ goals @ 14/5
