Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs West Ham team news and prediction
Chelsea host West Ham on Monday night in their final match before Christmas looking to arrest an alarming slump in form that has seen them drop completely out of the title picture.
Ahead of this London derby, we have all your need-to-know matchday information, including when the match takes place, where you can watch it and up-to-date team news.
When is kick off?
Monday 21st December, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
🗣️ "You don't get rid of the best cheap player on the game"
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 21, 2020
😏 @martinlaurence7 questions @danbardell's #FPL credentials and feels Tomas Soucek, who caused havoc in the Chelsea defence last season, could be a real threat again tonight
▶️ WATCH IN FULL: https://t.co/UtjUX0hb7s
Team Form
Chelsea have lost back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time in 12 months heading into Monday's derby with West Ham. Frank Lampard's side are now eighth in the table and nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
West Ham will leapfrog Chelsea with a win at Stamford Bridge, as they currently trail the Blues by just a point after 13 matches. The Hammers have impressively won four of their last six matches, suffering only one defeat in that time.
Team News
Frank Lampard has a relatively clean bill of health, with both Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi now back in training and available for selection. Scan results on Reece James' knee have revealed surgery is the last resort but he could be rested here. German duo Kai Havertz and Timo Werner could do with a break after some poor form.
David Moyes has hinted at rotation on Monday after conceding his players are starting to look tired after a tough schedule. Issa Diop should continue at the back with Fabian Balbuena a doubt, while Michail Antonio may only be fit enough for a place on the bench. Robert Snodgrass could replace Jarrod Bowen, who is also a doubt. Aaron Cresswell is also a slight injury concern but with Arthur Masuaku currently sidelined there are few options in reserve.
Probable XIs
Chelsea (433): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kovacic, Kante, Mount; Pulisic, Giroud, Werner
West Ham (4231): Fabianski; Coufal, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Snodgrass, Benrahama, Fornals; Haller
Key Battle: N'Golo Kante vs Declan Rice
Frank Lampard is desperate to re-sign Declan Rice from West Ham and the Chelsea manager will get to see the England international up close and personal at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. Rice has made a terrific start to the season and was indentified as N'Golo Kante's long-term successor back in the summer. Chelsea couldn't get a deal done then but remain the favourites to land Rice at the end of the season.
Kante has rediscovered somewhere near his best form this season after overcoming an injury-hit campaign last year, yet Chesea have struggled to find the right balance in midfield this season. The pair have almost idenitical stats heading into Monday's match and it will be fascinating to see who comes out on top in the midfield battle at Stamford Bridge.
Match Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham
