Chelsea take on West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend and the outcome of this match could decide the fate of several clubs in the middle of the league table.
The Blues go into this match fourth on the table but they are above West Ham United only on goal difference. So if David Moyes’ side can manage to pick up a win on Saturday then they move back into that final Champions League spot.
The Hammers have been in peak form this season so many people feel they have what it takes to beat their London rivals at home. But Michael Owen has argued that it’s Chelsea who are expected to come out on top, primarily due to their defensive cohesiveness.
He wrote for BetVictor: “Fans of West Ham and Chelsea both scan the fixture list at the start of the season for this one, and on this occasion, given the position of both in the table, it’s all set up to be a vintage rendition of the London Derby.
“For the Hammers, Champions League football is a real possibility and the prospect of beating one of their fiercest rivals as they both go for qualification will be salivating for Hammers’ fans.
“That said, this Chelsea side are proving to be a hard nut to crack for any side that crosses their path.
“The Blues’ 1-0 victory against Manchester City epitomised their defensive solidity, and if they can maintain that level of performance, I think they could be one of few teams to leave the London Stadium with maximum points this season.”
Chelsea have looked a completely different side ever since Thomas Tuchel took charge at the club and so far, the manager has tasted only a single defeat in the domestic circuit.
Under Tuchel, Chelsea have conceded only eight goals in the 13 Premier League games so far and out of those, five had come against West Bromwich Albion.
Also, West Ham United will be without Michail Antonio for encounter thereby making things a lot more complex for the home side and if the Blues can somehow manage to pinch a lead then players like Thiago Silva will make sure they go back home with all three points.
