Chelsea Continue Pursuit of Top Four

Chelsea start the weekend in 5th place, level on points with 4th place Arsenal but with an inferior goal difference.  A win in this match is crucial if Chelsea want to qualify for the Champions League via the top four this season.

West Ham are in 11th place in the Premier League but can still finish inside the top half and have an outside chance of coming 7th in the table.

Chelsea secured a 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night to move above Manchester United in the Premier League.  That result means Chelsea have recovered from the 2-0 defeat at Everton to win their last two games, with the other coming at Cardiff City.

However, Chelsea have remained inconsistent this season in the Premier League, winning five, losing four and drawing one of their last ten matches.

Trends show Chelsea are undefeated in their last six home Premier League games, winning four and drawing two. There have been wins over Newcastle, Huddersfield, Tottenham and Brighton.  The Blues have scored 2 or more goals in four of their last five at Stamford Bridge in the league.

West Ham suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Everton last Saturday and will be hoping for better luck on this upcoming Monday night fixture.  The Hammers have struggled to find any good consistency this season and that’s highlighted in their last five games, two of which they have won and three they have lost.

Away form is poor and trends show West Ham have lost six of their last seven away matches in all competitions and have conceded at least 1 goal in each of their last eight on the road.  West Ham have also been struggling in attack and have failed to score in five of their last seven away games in all competitions.

Away form in the Premier League shows five defeats and one draw from their last six matches, which is not good ahead of what is set to be a tough game.

Team news and Chelsea have doubts over Marcos Alonso who has been struggling with a hamstring injury.  Chelsea fans will be hoping Callum Hudson-Odoi gets another chance to impress in attack alongside Eden Hazard.

West Ham are still coming to terms with a group of injured players, one of the latest being Felipe Anderson and the Brazilian is doubtful with an ankle injury.  Michail Antonio, Robert Snodgrass and Manuel Lanzini will all be hoping to start.

Chelsea will see this as a must-win game and they are the strong favourites to take maximum points.  West Ham have been poor on the road recently and Chelsea could come through with a clean sheet to win the match.

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