West Ham v Chelsea - Back Blues to claim capital bragging rights

THE Premier League returns on Saturday lunchtime as West Ham welcome rivals Chelsea to the London Stadium. Ben Levene (@BenLevene96) shares his best bets.

West Ham v Chelsea | Saturday 9nd December, 12:30 | Sky Sports

Going off at 28/1 away to Man City last weekend, West Ham valiantly lost out 2-1 after taking a first-half lead. David Moyes’ side defended deep inside in their penalty, with a bank of four sat in front of a back-five. Michail Antonio started up top and the Hammers looked to utilise his powerful running in behind a high-starting City backline.

The Hammers are eight games without a win now but showed promise as they were able to frustrate Man City for long periods. Similar will be needed here as they host a Chelsea team who have won seven of their last eight in the Premier League.

West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 in all competitions so organisation will again be a priority for Moyes on Saturday.

After a slow start to the season, Antonio Conte deserves credit for adapting his system. Eden Hazard now operates centrally, playing off Alvaro Morata, and has reaped the rewards.

Hazard has five goals in his last five starts. The Belgian has had 19 shots across those five matches and is a tempting 31/21 with Unibet to add to his tally.

The Blues have won five of their seven away matches in the league this campaign. The return of Victor Moses is a boost.

This is likely to be a full-blooded affair, I expect the Hammers to be more aggressive than they were last Sunday, but stick with the back-five that served them well. Adrian is set to keep his place in goal after impressing in place of Joe Hart who was ineligible.

Of teams currently in the bottom-half, Chelsea have won five of seven games ‘to nil’, including three of their last four on their travels. West Ham have scored more than the single goal in just one of their last nine in the league, this includes none of their last four at the Olympic Stadium.

With this in mind, Chelsea -1 on the Asian Handicap at 5/6 with 188Bet looks a decent play. This sees our stake void if Chelsea win by the single goal, with a winner paid if the Blues win by any bigger margin.