Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 5
West Ham United v Chelsea
London Stadium
London, England
Saturday, 21 September 2024
Kick-off is at 11h30
Chelsea will look to keep the momentum going under Enzo Maresca when they make the short trip across town to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday, September 21 in the lunchtime kick-off of the English Premier League.
Maresca began his tenure with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues bounced back in stunning fashion as they thrashed Wolves 6-2 at Molineux.
A 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace followed and a 1-0 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on September 14 extended their unbeaten run to three matches.
Maresca's side moved up to eighth position, one point behind Nottingham Forest (7th) and five adrift of league leaders City, who are the only team still with a 100 per cent record after four rounds.
The Hammers are also under new management after Julen Lopetegui replaced David Moyes in the off-season. The Spaniard has already been involved in two London derbies, beating Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park on matchday 2 before sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on September 14.
Those were the only points collected by the East Londoners thus far and they sit 14th in the standings, three clear of the relegation zone and two outside the top 10.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
In team news, Emerson Palmieri (knee) is rated doubtful for the hosts after being forced off in the second half at Fulham, although Niclas Fullkrug is in line to make his return from a calf injury. The visitors will definitely be without Reece James, Malo Gusto, Omari Kellyman (all thigh), but Romeo Lavia (thigh) could come back into contention, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Enzo Fernandez are both hoping to overcome an illness.
Maresca praised the impact made by his two second-half substitutes against the Cherries after Jadon Sancho played in Christopher Nkunku to score the winner four minutes from time.
"I'm very happy for Jadon, he was very good. Joao [Felix] was very good also, Christo [Nkunku] scored but also he was very good," the Italian said.
"The reason I used Christo in that moment was I thought we were creating chances but we lacked quality inside the box. So the idea to use him as a nine was because any ball inside the box we know he's a quality player and could decide the game.
"I asked a lot of Jadon but what he did tonight was exactly what we expected from him. I know Jadon very well because I watched him for many games in the past and I know what he can give us.
"But I'm happy with all of them. Christo was very good, he scored and he fought without the ball. Jadon was exactly the same."
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Lopetegui revealed that goalscorer Danny Ings almost left the club during the recent transfer window, but praised the striker's work ethic after he rescued late point for the Hammers in West London.
"Danny Ings in the summer was more or less out - but he stayed. He is one good example, the season has a lot of moments and all of them have to be ready," the Spaniard said.
"I am happy for him. He was talking about one opportunity but he stayed. He is working very well."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
West Ham wins - 1
Chelsea wins - 3
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 5 fixtures:
Saturday, September 21
11h30: West Ham United v Chelsea
14h00: Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers
14h00: Fulham v Newcastle United
14h00: Leicester City v Everton
14h00: Liverpool v Bournemouth
14h00: Southampton v Ipswich Town
14h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford
16h30: Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Sunday, September 22
15h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest
17h30: Manchester City v Arsenal
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