The Premier League returns to the London Stadium on Friday night as West Ham United host Chelsea in an intriguing early-season derby. Both sides desperate to secure their first three points of the campaign.
West Ham, under new manager Graham Potter, suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat away to Sunderland in their opener, exposing defensive frailties and raising early concerns about their ability to avoid a relegation scrap.
Chelsea, meanwhile, managed only a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace despite high expectations following a strong preseason, a fourth-place finish last season, a UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, and a dominant 3-0 FIFA Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Last 5 Meetings
The recent head-to-head record leans in Chelsea's favor, with the Blues winning three of the last five Premier League encounters. Here's a breakdown:
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/05/2024 | Premier League | Stamford Bridge | Chelsea 5-0 West Ham |
| 20/08/2023 | Premier League | London Stadium | West Ham 3-1 Chelsea |
| 11/02/2023 | Premier League | London Stadium | West Ham 1-1 Chelsea |
| 03/09/2022 | Premier League | Stamford Bridge | Chelsea 2-1 West Ham |
| 24/04/2022 | Premier League | Stamford Bridge | Chelsea 1-0 West Ham |
Chelsea have dominated at home, but West Ham have proven tricky opponents in east London, claiming points in two of the last three meetings there.
Predicted Lineups
Both managers are likely to stick close to their preferred systems, with West Ham opting for a back-three setup to counter Chelsea's attacking threats, and the Blues favoring Maresca's 4-2-3-1 for balance.
| Team | Formation | Predicted XI |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | 3-4-3 | Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Alvarez, Soucek, Diouf; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta |
| Chelsea | 4-2-3-1 | Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Estevao; Joao Pedro |
These lineups reflect recent performances and injury concerns, with Estevao earning a start after outshining Gittens in the Palace draw, and Wilson potentially leading West Ham's attack for added firepower.
My team to face West Ham. Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/wtfv2WVREs
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 21, 2025
Prediction
This could be a cagey affair, with both teams eager to avoid another setback. Chelsea's superior squad depth and attacking options give them the edge, but West Ham's home advantage and Potter's tactical nous will prove a tough test for both sides. Expect a 1-2 win for Chelsea, with goals from Bowen, Palmer and Pedro.
