Chelsea score predictions: Blues drop hammer on West Ham

Chelsea has been one of Europe’s best teams since the restart, our contributors think the Blues can keep their good form alive.

West Ham has been the thorn in Chelsea’s side over the last few seasons. Table positions and form are thrown out the window when these two clubs meet—the reverse fixture is the perfect example. The Hammers come into the match with the hopes of doing the league double over the Blues, who come in as one of Europe’s hottest teams. Here are our staff’s predictions:

Siddharth Bharanidharan: 0-2 Chelsea

Christian Pulisic has played really well these past thee matches, but it is time to give him a break. Frank Lampard will put out a good line-up to start. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will likely get some match time to get back into normalcy, Tammy Abraham could start along with Willian and Mason Mount at his side. Lampard could add in Ross Barkley to the XI. The Blues will outmatch the Hammers in this match.

Barrett Rouen: 1-3 Chelsea

It all comes together for the Blues in this one, but they still don’t manage to keep a clean sheet because someone loses concentration and Kepa Arrizabalaga is strung out per usual.

Varun Dani: 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea’s first-string back four of Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma/Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso finally seem to be on the same page, with no goals from open play conceded so far since the restart. Expect them to grind out a clean sheet, but tired legs might hinder the team from truly dominating the game. A goal in each half and a nervy finish for a fourth win since the restart.

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 0-1 Chelsea

The Blues should have learnt their lesson by now. Chelsea would want to get revenge for the home loss earlier in the season and the boys are in good form to do so. Kepa Arrizabalaga has been on top of his game, so has Andreas Christensen. It will be really interesting to see who Lampard starts against West Ham. London derbies are always difficult, Chelsea does not have to play well pretty to emerge victorious, just get the win.

Nathaniel Kay: 1-1 Draw

If the Blues’ brilliant start to life post-lockdown was ever going to come to an end, it would typically be against a team struggling at the foot of the table. If Christian Pulisic is not playing, the Hammers have hope. David Moyes’ men might even grab the opener, most likely a set piece, before an overriding wave of Chelsea dominance finally crashes through their wall of defence for the equaliser. Unfortunately, the home side have built up just enough resilience to ride the final onslaught and hold out for the draw.

Abhishek Pancholi: 0-4 Chelsea

Nothing would please Frank Lampard more than to hammer the Hammers as a manager, having spent his entire playing career making their fans look like prize pillocks. Chelsea will race into a two-goal lead by halftime, before doubling the score just as the clock shows 60′. As a final insult, Lampard will ask his changes to take their foot off the gas and simply toy with their opponents to pass the time.

Kevin Peacock: 0-2 Chelsea

No question Chelsea has done well post-lockdown with a win against a good side and arguably two wins when playing badly. Lampard will want to beat his former side and his team ought to be good enough to do so. Chelsea wins 2-0, Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount with the goals.

Scott Brant: 0-3 Chelsea

The Blues start fast and enter the half up two with goals from Tammy Abraham and Willian. Chelsea finishes West Ham off with a late goal from a substitute. The defense gets a reassuring clean sheet with Kepa Arrizabalaga returning to the lineup.

Michael DeVito: 0-1 Chelsea

Tight game and a game winner by Willian; maybe he should be re-signed.

Ishan Shah: 1-1 Draw

This is assuming both Christian Pulisic and Andreas Christensen aren’t fit. As much as I hope Lampard will get a reaction from the players after a below-par performance against Leicester, I can see the Blues struggling in this game. Just like the reverse fixture, I expect West Ham to defend really deep and compact. Chelsea has had a hard time breaking down defensive sides all season and I don’t expect that to change tomorrow. West Ham will score a goal out of nothing to leave Chelsea players, management and fans frustrated.

Gabe Henderson: 0-2 Chelsea

The defense has been superb; so much so, I went against every fiber of my being and predicted a 2-0 win (as opposed to 3-1). A clean sheet is on the horizon. Three points will cap off a wonderful day that sees Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech officially become Chelsea players, Kepa Arrizabalaga prevent the net from rattling and the Blues release new kits. The icing on the cake? A relatively in-form Everton could potentially assist the Blues with jumping into third place. What a time to be alive.

What score do you predict? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!