West Ham – Chelsea are absolutely massive London derby on Saturday (start time 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC and online via NBCSports.com) as the Hammers and Blues collide with the same number of points as they both battle for a top four spot.
There is something we weren’t expecting this season.
STREAM WEST HAM – CHELSEA LIVE
But fair play for David Moyes and West Ham, who are hanging on in the battle of the top four and with six games to go they are in fifth place heading into this weekend, only below Chelsea, unlike fourth. of goals. They lost 3-2 to Newcastle last time around in a wild game and are one of the most entertaining teams to watch, for neutrals, with goals galore in every game.
As for Chelsea, well, Thomas Tuchel has had a huge impact since arriving in January when he reached the Champions League semi-final and FA Cup final, all while being back in the top. four. Correct. Goals have been tough for the Blues to come by, as they drew 0-0 with Brighton last time around, but defensively they have been brilliant.
[ MORE: How to watch PL in the USA ]
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of West Ham – Chelsea, as there is now a whole new dimension to this bitter rivalry.
Live Analysis, London Stadium Updates
Analysis, reaction
Thanks for joining me in East London! Chelsea are taking control of their top-four fate, while West Ham now seemed destined to fight for a place in the Europa League. A hotly contested London derby has been decided by Timo Werner. Good night on this side of the pond!
FULLTIME! Oh no, Tammy Abraham. Either way, there are only a few seconds left. No matter. Chelsea wins 1-0 to strengthen their grip on the top four. Moyes doesn’t look happy. Back-to-back losses for West Ham. Another shutout victory for Chelsea. Their dream among the top four is well underway under Tuchel.
RED CARD! Fabian Balbuena is sent off. His crampons caught Ben Chilwell’s calf during the follow-up as he cleared the ball. VAR asked referee Chris Kavanagh to look at the monitor from the side of the field, and he sent off Balbuena. Not too sure about that one. At all. It seems hard on Balbuena.
Christian Pulisic is extinct. Hakim Ziyech is on. The American does not seem very happy to be doing. Tuchel gives him a high five. He played well today. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Changes for West Ham Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini for Noble and Fornals. Hammers for that. It’s hammer time, if you will … I’ll be fine.
CLOSE! Mount directs a shot to the upper corner which Fabianski saves and he recovers the ball just before Pulisic. Good stop. Fabianski then denies Werner.
SO CLOSE! Jesse Lingard makes a good effort just off after Mount blocked a Fredericks shot. West Ham has a real shot now.
OH NO! Timo, Timo, Timo. It would be too much for him to score twice in a game. Mason Mount’s shot is pushed towards Werner and he’s 4 yards away… but somehow shoots wide. Should be 2-0 at Chelsea. A big missed chance like a huge moan, and some laughter, rises from the press box here. Tuchel is unimpressed and shouted from the sideline against Chelsea’s defensive form.
SECOND PART! We kicked off again, and that was a key goal for Chelsea in their top four. Werner has worked so hard and Chelsea have that little bit more up front.
BUTLL! Timo Werner scores at home, his first PL goal since February and only his second since November. And he did all the hard work there. Werner held it, played it to Pulisic who found Chilwell out of the way. Chilwell came through and Werner knocked on the house. Chelsea lead at half-time!
OHHHH! VAR control… but no handball on Cesar Azpilicueta, who blocked the shot as a West Ham free kick took its toll. The hammers are building up the pressure now. Edouard Mendy also plays risky passes from behind.
Chelsea look more dangerous and have plenty of the ball but West Ham is holding on. Moyes urges his team to rise higher on the pitch. Other than a few counters, they didn’t have a lot.
CHANCES! Dangerous break from West Ham, as Chilwell was taken in. Bowen was unable to free Lingard in time as he was offside. Mount then shoots on goal which Fabianski saves. It’s bright!
TO START UP! We are gone and Chelsea dominate. Timo Werner lifts a shot over the bar after a good job from Mason Mount. Chelsea lively from the start here. Good move from Werner.
Team news is intriguing as Balbuena arrives as Antonio, Rice, and Creswell miss. Chelsea launch Pulisic, Mount and Werner in a quick attack.
⚒🔥🚨 In my opinion, West Ham should get the Champions League spot because of the absolute ’80s bangers they yelled over the speakers here…#WHUFC v #CFC is live @NBC now!
I have analyzes and updates on a huge top 4 #WHUCHE ️ https://t.co/uml6LTLNqA pic.twitter.com/Sjs40iMrkt
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) April 24, 2021
Incredible songs are blasting over the speakers here.
Hello from a sunny east of London! What a game we have ahead.
👋 Hello everyone and welcome to London Stadium!
HUGE Top 4 battle, as West Ham welcomes Chelsea. I’m buzzing for that!
?? #WHUCHE is live @NBC12:30 p.m. ET!
I will have a live analysis and reaction on #CFC v #WHUFC here ️ https://t.co/3vO8dHqBQg pic.twitter.com/XWpkdrEZcp
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) April 24, 2021
Team news
West Ham are without two key men in Declan Rice and Michail Antonio, and it will always be a big blow. That said, Mark Noble and Jarrod Bowen have stepped in well and David Moyes is not looking for any excuses. Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell are also absent, while Craig Dawson is suspended and Jesse Lingard is ready to start.
This is how we line up today against @Chelsea FC…#WHUCHE
– West Ham United (@WestHam) April 24, 2021
Tuchel has some injury concerns as Mateo Kovacic has a thigh injury, but Thiago Silva is ready to start. Christian Pulisic from USMNT starts with Mason Mount and Timo Werner in the lead.
Today’s team! ??#WHUCHE pic.twitter.com/3e7Sd4NDwg
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 24, 2021
Ends and ends (Full odds provided by our partner, PointsBet)
West Ham are the big outsider at +340, while Chelsea are favorites at -125. The +260 draw seems intriguing.
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Prediction
It’s such a hard game to call, but I’m going to look for the surprise. West Ham like to score early and then sit down and defend, and I don’t think Chelsea will create a lot of chances against them. West Ham 2-1 Chelsea.
How to watch, stream and start the hour
Kick-off: 12:30 p.m. ET, Saturday
TV Channel: NBC
In line: Stream via NBCSports.com
