Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Both London clubs opened the 2025/26 campaign well below expectations: West Ham United slipped straight into the relegation zone, while Chelsea failed to win at home.
West Ham United
West Ham United were thrashed (3:0) by newly promoted Sunderland, who only came up via the play-offs. Their frailties in aerial duels were brutally exposed, conceding two headed goals from distance, while new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen came under scrutiny after being beaten by a tame third strike that went under his arm. The Dane has to improve quickly. To be fair, West Ham weren’t completely out of it in terms of chance creation (0.56-0.75 in xG), but the scoreboard told a very different story.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s opener came against FA Cup and Community Shield winners Crystal Palace. On paper, the team generated far more threat (1.60-0.66 in xG), yet in reality there was little danger in front of goal, with several shots ballooned over the bar. Chelsea were spared by VAR, which chalked off a Crystal Palace free-kick goal for an infringement in the wall.
West Ham United vs Chelsea Prediction
If Chelsea’s forwards can at least start hitting the target, they should have little trouble here. Questions remain over West Ham’s goalkeeper and their lack of cutting edge in attack. Chelsea, with title ambitions and fresh from Club World Cup glory, need to stamp their authority.
