It’s hard to deny that the Blues’ performance against Fulham last Friday wasn’t at least a little disappointing. Considering the club’s massive spending during the January window, many supporters were expecting an instant improvement in terms of attacking output. Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and David Datro Fofana all made cameos, but none were able to find the crucial goal and secure a Chelsea victory. Despite the lack of team cohesion, Enzo Fernandez looked to be worth all €125 million in his Premier League debut.
The world champion’s display was worthy of Man of the Match honors, and with a fitter supporting cast around him in the midfield, he’ll continue to improve with each passing game. It would take a minor miracle for the pride to qualify for next year’s Champions League, so I’m no longer stressing about dropped points on a week-to-week basis. Tangible improvements in the team’s style and confidence are much more important going forward, in my opinion.
With that being said, it would be nice to at least finish in the top half of the table. The Blues will need to start collecting consistent victories if that’s going to happen, especially against the worst sides in the English top flight. West Ham has certainly been one of those this season. The Hammers currently sit 17th, just one point above the relegation zone, and are in genuine danger of being sent down for the first time since 2010-11.
I’m shocked David Moyes is still employed in east London, but the West Ham hierarchy clearly still believes the Scotsman is the right man for the job. Graham Potter is trying to prove that himself, albeit on the opposite side of town, and a solid performance against one of the Blues’ biggest rivals would go a long way in doing so.
Injuries have undoubtedly taken their toll on both of these teams’ campaigns, but at least Chelsea’s squad fitness is finally moving in the right direction. Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and Wesley Fofana are all in contention to return from various ailments on Saturday afternoon, while Joao Felix is also eligible to play after serving his three-match red card suspension. I suspect Chilwell, Sterling, and Felix will make brief appearances, if not start.
These players should provide a massive boost against the Hammers and allow the overworked starters to rest for the first time in months. I like the Blues’ chances to take all three points from the clash, especially at +120 odds on the moneyline. West Ham away has been a bogey fixture for Chelsea in recent seasons, though, winning only once in its previous five iterations. Quieting the London Stadium faithful from the opening whistle will be extremely important.
A second bet I’ve been monitoring is the always-reliable under 2.5 total goals in the game. Coming in at -148 odds this time around, I can’t imagine a better time to slam this play. Simply put, CFC and West Ham are incredibly boring going forward. Both teams fall in the bottom half of the Premier League in terms of scoring offense, with the Blues averaging 1.0 goals per match and the Hammers averaging 0.9. Recent results would point to Saturday being a low-scoring affair as well, as this bet would’ve hit in four of the past five EPL contests for both capital clubs. It’s a bummer, but predicting to see exciting Chelsea matches just hasn’t been profitable this year. At least we’ve recognized the trend.
Official Chelsea odds (via FanDuel as of February 9)
Chelsea ML: +120
West Ham ML: +240
Draw: +220
Over/Under: 2.5 (+122/-148)
My picks:
It took nearly all 90’ and a controversial disallowed Maxwell Cornet goal for the Blues to beat West Ham last time out, but things should be more straightforward in this second meeting. Almost an entirely new squad has arrived at Stamford Bridge since then, and these recruits are young and hungry to compete. Give me the aforementioned Chelsea moneyline at +120 odds and under 2.5 goals in the match at -148. For my final pick. I’ll take the pride to win either half, coming in at -144 odds. I was on a roll for a few weeks before that 0/3 disaster against Fulham, so it’s time to get back in the green. All odds are subject to change.