West Ham vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips (22 August)

The London derby between West Ham and Chelsea on August 22 promises to be a fiery clash, with both sides entering the second week of the Premier League season under very different circumstances. West Ham, led by Graham Potter, are reeling from a 3-0 opening day defeat to newly promoted Sunderland. Defensive frailties and a lack of midfield dynamism continue to plague the Hammers, despite summer signings like Mads Hermansen in goal and El Hadji Malick Diouf on the left flank. Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive with momentum after a goalless draw against Crystal Palace and a summer that saw them crowned Club World Cup champions.

Potter’s West Ham are still searching for cohesion. The backline of Todibo, Kilman, and Aguerd looked disjointed, while midfielders like Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse failed to impose themselves. Jarrod Bowen remains their most potent threat, having scored four in his last six outings, and will be key in supporting Niclas Füllkrug up front. However, the absence of injured winger Crysencio Summerville and the underwhelming form of Paquetá leave questions about their ability to break down Chelsea’s high press and structured build-up.

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side, on the other hand, are brimming with attacking talent. Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Liam Delap offer pace and flair, while Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo provide midfield control. Despite their firepower, Chelsea are not without vulnerabilities. Keeper Robert Sanchez remains error-prone, and the long-term injury to Levi Colwill has forced Maresca to rely on young Josh Acheampong in central defense. Still, Chelsea’s recent form—including wins over AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG—suggests they are ready to challenge for domestic dominance.

Historically, Chelsea have dominated this fixture, winning three of the last five league meetings. Yet West Ham’s lone victory came at the London Stadium, and with London pride on the line, Potter’s men will be desperate to respond. Expect Chelsea to control possession and exploit West Ham’s defensive gaps, but the Hammers could strike back through Bowen’s counter-attacking prowess. A 2-1 win for Chelsea feels like the most plausible outcome—clinical enough to punish West Ham’s lapses, but not immune to a moment of brilliance from the hosts.