WHU vs Chelsea predictions: Rough going for the Blues, outcome unclear

Chelsea lost this fixture last season, but that was a different West Ham under the steady hand of David Moyes. How will the Blues get along in a sometimes troublesome London derby?

Chelsea need their sixth Premier League win of the season to keep pace with Liverpool before facing Liverpool twice in the coming week. West Ham are a team in disarray, winning for the first time just last week. But they still have enough talent and physicality to exact a toll, and may even nick some points from their visitors.

Scott Brant: West Ham 1 – 2 Chelsea. This prediction has no confidence, which means it will be right. If West Ham play like they did last match, Chelsea may be in trouble. It will be a physical game, gritty with some ugly goals. Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard to score, Andriy Yarmolenko and Marko Arnautovic to cause problems.

Abhishek Pancholi: 2 – 1. This game will be the beginning of the end of David Luiz as a first choice center-back. The Hammers have had a rough start to life under Manuel Pellegrini, but their 3-1 win over Everton last time out showed us what they are capable of on their day. I fully expect West Ham to come at Chelsea, rattle an already jittery defence and score an early goal. They’ll double their lead in the second half but Morata will get one back for the Blues. Alas, it will be too little, too late.

Hugo Amaya: 1 – 3. Not the easiest of games for the Blues as West Ham will try to make life very difficult. The Hammers know that to beat Chelsea they need to either press high or park the bus. Either way, Chelsea will figure them out and get three goals, while West Ham will only get a consolation. The entire game will be nervy as the three goals won’t be a reflection of Chelsea’s performance.

Brendan McDonnell: 2 – 0. I’m not encouraged about this one. Pelligrini can really manage and anytime you’re playing a London derby, it’s going to be close. All things being equal, the Blues should have the edge. But coming off a wacky trip to Greece, minimal squad rotation from Sarri, and not being at the Bridge makes me think they come up short.

Barrett Rouen: 2 – 3. West Ham are resurgent but I don’t bet against Chelsea.  Next.

Kevin Peacock: 1 – 2. This is a tricky one to call. West Ham will undoubtedly raise their game and Chelsea were late getting back from Greece. Sarri had a good record with Napoli when they played Thursday – Sunday in 2015/16.

If he can instill that same mentality into Chelsea’s A-team then all will be good. I think he can and optimistically go for a 2-1 win. Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante with the goals.