Chelsea and West Ham United do battle on Monday evening as they kick off their respective Premier League campaigns. Here are our predictions.
Chelsea and West Ham fans are being forced to wait an extra day to see their team start their seasons. That, though, only serves to build excitement and anticipation. I’ve asked around the virtual Pride Of London to get some predictions.
And, for a change this campaign, I’ve also summoned the opinion of one of our Twitter followers. This week it’s Jamie Cochrane (@jamiecochrane12), a student from Northern Ireland.
Jamie Cochrane: Chelsea 4-2 West Ham. Defence still needs work do I won’t be surprised with a lack of clean sheets early in the season. But, we have looked decent going forward in pre-season. Hazard can start to carry the team going forward again when he’s getting back to his best.
Travis Tyler: Few things are certain in life, but a mediocre striker like Andy Carroll scoring against Chelsea FC is one of those things. A newfound intensity under Antonio Conte will allow Chelsea to roar back from behind afterwards, finishing the game 3-1 with Eden Hazard, Oscar, and Diego Costa netting.
Andre Carlisle: A new formation, new manager, new players, and renewed players…there’s too much to not be optimistic. But with a back line full of faces that are accustomed to contorting as a goal punches the net behind them, there’s not enough to remain optimistic. 2-2
must read: Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea team for West Ham: Antonio Conte era begins
George Perry: Blues fans will be relieved, rather than excited, when the final whistle blows for a 2-1 Blues win. A tentative, cagey affair will push Antonio Conte’s diastolic blood pressure well into triple digits.
Barrett Rouen: Chelsea 3-1 West Ham. Chelsea will be eager to get out of the gates quickly at the beginning of the new season. The defense is rubbish so West Ham will get one but Chelsea with their greater talent will come out on top.
Alex Gisi: Chelsea will win 2-0. West Ham don’t have the coordination in attack to break down Conte’s structured defense, and will struggle offensively. Meanwhile, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will begin their brilliant form this season with a goal apiece.
Ben Croft: 2-1 Chelsea. Doesn’t get better than a London derby under the lights at Stamford Bridge. Atmosphere will be electric and I think that’ll carry us over the line. West Ham have had an up and down pre-season whilst we have issues defensively so expect an open game played at 100mph. Should be good viewing. Costa and Hazard with the goals.
Dan McClue: 3-1 Blues. Positivity is needed at this point in the season. West Ham have as many defensive issues as the Blues, but Hazard (x2) and N’Golo Kante on his debut will provide the thrust into a positive season.
Khaled Abdallah: 2-2. West Ham is a top four contender if they can sort out their defense so this will be a tough scalp for Conte and the boys. A draw with a handful of goals seems appropriate.
Ayushman Basu: Chelsea 3-1 West Ham. Chelsea will win their opener by employing a comfortable 4-3-3 with Hazard and two others (can’t predict) scoring the goals. The leaky defence will concede one goal at least.
Drew Hooper: 3-2 Blues. West Ham are still being sorted out in the back somewhat and Hazard seems locked in thus far so Chelsea edge this one. With the Blues having defensive struggles of their own it should be a shootout much like the Bremen game.
As for me? I reckon it will be an entertaining 2-2 draw. Sound off with your predictions in the comments below and join us on our social media channels to get involved!