One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

My concern for West Ham would be that they’ll have taken too much encouragement from their fighting display at the Etihad. That may give them false hope for this London derby, back at home, but Chelsea are probably better than Manchester City just at the moment.

The Hammers have had a few glimmers of hope in recent weeks followed by more turmoil.  An encouraging 5 game spell from September culminated in a 3-0 home defeat to Brighton. A 3-2 cup win at Spurs came crashing down when they gave up a 2-0 lead to Palace. Even the 1-1 draw with Leicester offered some early hope under Moyes, swiftly followed by a 4-0 thumping from Everton.

So any sense that they are back on track should come with a major warning! Chelsea are well capable of winning with something to spare; they are a best price 29/20 (WilliamHill) in the -1 handicap market.

The champions have enjoyed some of their best days on the road in 2017-18. They won 2-1 at Spurs and Leicester and 4-0 at Stoke and West Brom. It may not get quite that bad for West Ham here but expect Morata, Hazard and co to do the business.