Chelsea make the trip across London to face West Ham this weekend for their first London derby of the season. Both sides started their seasons with draws and will be looking to get their first win of the 2023/24 season at the London Stadium.
West Ham currently sit 13th in the Premier League purely by virtue of their name and the alphabet. The Hammers are one of the six teams who drew on the opening weekend, with all of those six teams having a goal difference of zero. However, if Moyes’ side can keep up their momentum from their successful 2022/23 season, the wait for the first win may be a short one.
The Hammers travelled to the coast for their first game of the season against Bournemouth. The hosts somewhat dominated with 63% of the possession and five shots on target from 14. West Ham had just three shots on target from 16 shots and opened the scoring with Jarrod Bowen at the start of the second half. However, The Hammers left with just a point after Dominic Solanke grabbed a goal in the 82nd minute securing the 1 - 1 draw.
After a horror season last season, Chelsea have spent a lot in the summer and have invested in a manager. Mauricio Pochettino’s first game at Stamford Bridge ended with Chelsea picking up a draw leaving them 11th in the Premier League for now. The Blues looked improved with new talent and new management so their first win may come against West Ham this weekend.
Chelsea hosted Liverpool this weekend in a fast-paced, high intensity game that ended in a share of the points. Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool early in the first half after an impressive ball from Mo Salah. Liverpool thought they’d doubled their lead with a goal from Salah but he was found marginally offside and the goal was chalked off. Summer signing Axel Disasi pulled Chelsea level and Ben Chilwell thought he’d put The Blues ahead just before half time but he was also found offside. Despite having the lion's share of the possession, Chelsea couldn’t find a way through and it ended level.
West Ham and Chelsea have 120 games of history between them, their first meeting coming back in 1923. Chelsea do have the upper hand in the fixture, winning on 54 occasions. West Ham have won 43 times with the remaining 23 matches finishing in a draw.
In the last five games there have been three Chelsea wins, one draw and one win for West Ham. Despite their less than ideal season last year, Chelsea look to have improved for this season, meaning this clash could be an entertaining one that could swing in Chelsea’s favour.
A player to watch in this game could be Chelsea’s new striker Nicolas Jackson. Though he wasn’t on the scoresheet against Liverpool, he put up a lively and impressive performance leaving it only a matter of time before he grabs his first Premier League goal.