West Ham vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 22/8/2025

The London derby between West Ham United and Chelsea on August 22 is shaping up to be one of the early highlights of the Premier League season. Both sides enter the second round with contrasting moods—West Ham still reeling from a disastrous opening defeat, while Chelsea look confident after a strong pre-season and steady start.

West Ham’s Struggles Under Potter

For Graham Potter’s West Ham, the campaign began with a sobering 3-0 loss to newly promoted Sunderland, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion in midfield. Despite notable summer additions—goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and versatile left-sided player El Hadji Malick Diouf—the Hammers’ backline looked disjointed. The trio of Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, and Nayef Aguerd failed to gel, leaving their defense far too easy to penetrate.

In midfield, Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse struggled to dictate tempo or provide the creativity needed to unlock defenses. With Crysencio Summerville sidelined through injury, West Ham’s attacking options appear limited. Jarrod Bowen, however, remains their standout threat, having netted four goals in his last six appearances. His link-up play with striker Niclas Füllkrug could be West Ham’s best chance of unsettling Chelsea’s backline.

Chelsea’s Momentum Under Maresca

By contrast, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea arrive with confidence. Though they opened with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, their pre-season form has been impressive, including victories over European heavyweights AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG. That form, combined with their recent Club World Cup triumph, has fostered a sense that Chelsea are ready to challenge again at the top of English football.

The squad boasts exciting young attacking talent. Joao Pedro, Estevão Willian, and Liam Delap bring pace and unpredictability, while Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo provide midfield control and balance. Defensive concerns remain, however. Robert Sánchez continues to be error-prone in goal, and the long-term absence of Levi Colwill has forced 18-year-old Josh Acheampong into a central defensive role. Even so, Chelsea’s squad depth and offensive firepower give them an edge.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Outlook

History favors the Blues, who have won three of the last five Premier League meetings with West Ham. Yet the Hammers’ one victory came at the London Stadium, a reminder that Chelsea cannot afford complacency in a derby often decided by fine margins.

Expect Chelsea to dominate possession, using their structured build-up to stretch West Ham’s defensive line. West Ham will likely sit deeper, relying on counter-attacks through Bowen’s pace and finishing ability. Much will depend on whether Potter can tighten his defense quickly enough to withstand Chelsea’s relentless pressure.

Prediction

Given West Ham’s poor home record—seven defeats in their last ten league games at the London Stadium, conceding 19 goals—Chelsea appear poised to take full advantage. While the Hammers may hope to spring a surprise, Chelsea’s attacking quality and form suggest otherwise.

Prediction: West Ham 0:3 Chelsea