VALUE-HUNTER Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) shares his best bets from Super Sunday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs West Ham | Sunday 24th April 2022, 14:00 | Sky Sports
I was quietly surprised to look at the league table this morning and see that Chelsea are just two points clear of Arsenal in the table. However, despite their off-field issues I still expect the Stamford Bridge side to comfortably make the Champions League.
Chelsea have two games in hand on Arsenal and are also five points clear of Tottenham, with a game in hand. Additionally, Chelsea have an acceptable set of remaining fixtures so despite their loss to Mikel Arteta's men in midweek, I expect them to ensure third spot in the league. Chelsea conceded four on Wednesday night but their xG conceded was just 1.8 (including the penalty they conceded).
That being said, they do miss Antonio Rudiger at the back and against BTTS specialists, West Ham, I expect them to concede.
My first bet is exactly that, with Betfred's 10/11 on both sides obliging more than acceptable. BTTS has landed in 21 of West Ham's 33 league matches this season, as well as 15 of Chelsea's 31. That combines for 36 of 64 (56%), and includes a 3-2 win for West Ham in the reverse fixture.
I do, however, expect Chelsea to win the game and will also have a few pennies on the much-maligned Timo Werner to score for the home side.
Werner has been ridiculed for his volume of missed chances since his Premier League career began, as well as the number of offside ‘goals' he has scored. His goal return is around half what it should be but he has scored four goals in his last three matches and has the pace to trouble this West Ham backline.
I expect Werner to play on the shoulder of Craig Dawson, a defender with many attributes, of which pace is not one.
BetVictor are offering 15/8 on Werner to score. It's highly likely he will get the chances to do so, so I am happy to take the price in the hope that his very short-term vein of form continues.
Best Bets
Chelsea vs West Ham – Both Teams To Score (10/11 Betfred)
Chelsea vs West Ham – Timo Werner to score anytime (15/8 BetVictor)