CHELSEA could all but end West Ham’s European hopes on Sunday.
The Hammers travel to Stamford Bridge in a battle between eighth and ninth place in the Premier League.
Both clubs are chasing a top seven finish, with eighth no longer enough for European qualification next season.
English clubs have failed to secure an extra Champions League berth, leaving just seven spots up for grabs.
Chelsea can climb into the top seven with a win over West Ham, potentially leapfrogging Newcastle and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, David Moyes’ side will overtake their opponents and move into eighth with a win of their own.
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West Ham won the reverse fixture back in August despite playing the last 20 minutes with 10 men.
Nayef Aguerd was sent off after opening the scoring, with Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta also on target.
Carney Chukwuemeka was the only scorer for the visitors at the London Stadium nine months ago.
What is their form like?
Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Thursday extended their unbeaten home run in the league to five matches.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s side have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League matches, last week’s 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal, a run dating back to February.
Their recent upturn in form has seen the Blues solidify their place in the race for Europe.
It is a different story for West Ham, though, who are winless in three and have just one victory in their last eight league outings.
Last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool halted a two-match losing run but the Hammers have dropped from seventh to ninth during their recent poor run.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Chelsea could welcome back Levi Colwill (ankle), Raheem Sterling (back) and Christopher Nkunku (thigh) on Sunday.
All three players face late fitness tests to make the matchday squad, but the fixture is expected to come too soon for Reece James to appear.
Axel Disasi and Thiago Silva are the latest to join the injury list, though, with eight other players sidelined.
West Ham have no new injury concerns and Aguerd may be able to return from an ankle issue.
Meanwhile, Konstantinos Mavropanos is also being assessed after missing their last two matches.
Who will be the star men?
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season after signing from Manchester City last summer.
The midfielder has scored 20 league goals this season, despite failing to score in his last three, with only Erling Haaland scoring more.
Prior to the win over Spurs, Palmer had scored seven goals across his previous two home league appearances.
Fellow England international Jarrod Bowen has also impressed for West Ham this term.
His goal and assist last weekend has taken the 27-year-old’s goal contributions tally to 22 in the league.
What have the managers said?
Speaking after the win over Spurs, Pochettino said: “The first half was fantastic. Then you have to contain and suffer. Tottenham have quality players. Not too much to say, all credit to the players.”
SunSport prediction
Chelsea and West Ham come into the match in varying runs of form.
The Blues appear to have timed their push to Europe to perfection, whilst the Hammers are fading after their exit from the Europa League.
Pochettino will hope his side can move into the top seven this weekend.
SunSport prediction: 2-0
When is Chelsea vs West Ham?
- Chelsea’s clash with West Ham takes place this weekend on Sunday, May 6.
- The game will be held at Stamford Bridge and kicks off at 2pm BST.
- West Ham beat Chelsea 3-1 the last time they played back in August.
Is Chelsea vs West Ham on TV?
- Chelsea’s clash with West Ham will NOT be shown on TV in the UK.
- The game hasn’t been selected for broadcast in the 2pm slot on Sunday, May 6.
- Brighton vs Aston Villa will be shown at 2pm on Super Sunday instead.
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Odds
- Chelsea – 3/5
- Draw – 16/5
- West Ham – 15/4
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
