THESE two teams wouldn’t be visiting each other at Christmas unless they had to.
With the festive fixtures in full swing, we have betting tips for you from a juicy looking London derby between Chelsea and West Ham.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard needs a win to get his side’s title tilt back on trackCredit: PA:Press Association
Chelsea vs West Ham, Monday 8pm
There’s nothing better than a full-bloodied London derby under the lights on a cold, December evening.
With no love lost between these two sides, expect a blood and thunder encounter at the Bridge.
Chelsea are hurting from two straight losses on the road, denting their title hopes and allowing Liverpool to gain the advantage for the time being.
West Ham meanwhile have lost just one of their last five, but will be disappointed the couldn’t break down ten-man Palace last week.
It’s now nine home games unbeaten for Chelsea and although fans are banned again from the Bridge, it feels like Frank Lampard’s men are starting to make it a fortress.
The Hammers will have fond memories from their visit here last season, when Aaron Cresswell’s strike was enough to give them all three points.
That was their first win on Chelsea soil in FIFTEEN attempts and ended a barren run stretching right back to 2002.
David Moyes’ side have scored in all their away games this season, as well as four of their last five visits here.
Chelsea meanwhile have conceded in three of their last four home games, putting the brakes on any ideas of a comfortable home victory.
Chelsea were beaten at Wolves – but Christian Pulisic showed enough that we’re happy to back him at 13/10Credit: PA:Press Association
That Wolves defeat at Molineux certainly confirmed that Lampard’s side have a soft underbelly – and he will be concerned that his expensively assembled frontline is being overshadowed week-after-week by Olivier Giroud.
It’s 4/6 for both teams to net and we’re a fan of that, but also the 7/4 on Chelsea to win with both teams netting.
As much as West Ham have impressed this season after a slow start, they’ve lost at Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool on the road.
All of those defeats have come with them scoring – 7/4 is just too big considering Chelsea’s home form.
We gave Timo Werner a chance to shine last week against Wolves but the German continued to frustrate.
It’s not his fault he’s not in his natural position, but he ran down plenty of blind alleys and seemed to be trying to do too much rather than acting purely on instinct.
He’s evens to net anytime – steer clear of that and instead back Christian Pulisic at 13/10.
The American was the brightest spark – barring Giroud – against Wolves, with his tireless running and ability to cut inside while beating a man.
He’s endured a stop-start campaign due to injuries but scored against Leeds on December 5 and this looks like another game in which he can shine. Get on that big price.
SunSport’s best bets
*All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
