West Ham vs Chelsea - Premier League Team News and Prediction

There's a huge London Derby at the London Stadium this evening as Chelsea make the short trip across the capital to take on West Ham. The Hammers have emerged as surprise contenders to secure a top-four finish and, level on points with their rivals ahead of this weekend's meeting, this encounter could prove a crunch clash in the battle for a Champions League spot. 

Ahead of this massive meeting, we provide all the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch this watch, what time the game kicks off, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick-off? 

Saturday 24th April, 17:30 GMT 

Where is the match? 

London Stadium, London 

What TV channel is it on? 

Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event 

Form Guide 

West Ham have been the Premier League's great entertainers of late. Indeed, there have been 21 goals scored in their last four league matches, with the Hammers picking up seven points in that run. On home turf, David Moyes has overseen just one defeat in 10, with the sole reverse coming at the expense of Liverpool. Wins over Tottenham and Leicester in east London shows they have the mettle to beat their top-four rivals. 

Chelsea were unable to open up a two-point gap over the Hammers in midweek and while a draw with Brighton saw them move into the Champions League spots, it certainly feels like an opportunity missed for the Blues. After a bright start under Thomas Tuchel, their form has dipped with the west London outfit winning just three of their last eight league outings. Their form at West Ham across the capital has been poor, with the Blues earning just one win in their last five league trips to east London. 

Team News 

Craig Dawson received his marching orders at Newcastle last week and is suspended and David Moyes will be hoping Aaron Cresswell can overcome a knock to deputise for the former in defence. Arthur Masuaku will also be assessed, which could see Ben Johnson keep his place in the side. Darren Randolph, Andriy Yarmolenko, Chelsea target Declan Rice and striker Michail Antonio are ruled out, with the latter's absence allowing for Jesse Lingard and Jarrod Bowen to continue in attack. 

Mateo Kovacic is Chelsea's only injury concern for the trip across the capital and that should see N'Golo Kante partner Jorginho in the middle of the park at the London Stadium. Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Edouard Mendy will return between the sticks, relegating Kepa to the bench as a result. Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic are battling to join Mason Mount and Kai Havertz on the frontline at the London Stadium. 

Probable XIs 

West Ham (3412) - Fabianski; Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Coufal, Soucek, Noble, Johnson; Fornals; Lingard, Bowen

Chelsea (3421) - Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi; Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Werner; Havertz

Key Battle: Jesse Lingard vs Mason Mount

Jesse Lingard has been an absolute revelation for West Ham this season. No Hammers player has scored more goals than the England international (9) and having only arrived in January, it's an impressive return for the on-loan 28-year-old. Having scored in all but one home league match for West Ham, he'll be looking to add to his fine goal return as the east London side seek to secure a top-four finish.

Compatriot Mason Mount has also excelled this term. Frank Lampard may have flattered to deceive at the Stamford Bridge helm, but Mount has been a success story for the Blues as he continues to thrive for the west London powerhouse. Despite ample investment over the summer, the 22-year-old has taken the rise in competition in his stride earning a better WhoScored rating (7.35) than any other Chelsea player.

Score Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Chelsea