The stage is set for a dramatic Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as Chelsea welcomes West Ham United for a high-stakes London derby.
Coming into the match, the two clubs represent opposite poles of the league table’s narrative: Chelsea, sitting 5th with 37 points, are mounting a determined push for the European places.
In stark contrast, West Ham languishes in 18th place with just 20 points, deeply entangled in a relegation battle and in urgent need of a positive result.
The recent form guides point toward a Chelsea advantage. The Blues have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, showcasing a potent attack that has scored 11 goals in that span.
West Ham, while showing flickers of hope with three wins in their last five, has been far less consistent, especially on the road, where their defensive record is a concern.
Team form and head-to-head
Chelsea’s season has been defined by a powerful, possession-based approach. They average 58% ball possession and over 14 total shots per game, consistently creating pressure.
Their recent 3-1 away win at Crystal Palace and a significant Champions League victory away to Napoli just days before this derby highlight a team with growing momentum and confidence.
West Ham’s campaign, however, has been a struggle. They have conceded 1.96 goals on average per game and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 21 matches across all competitions.
Their away form is particularly troubling, with just one win in their last five road trips. Despite this, their recent 3-1 victory over Sunderland shows they are capable of finding the net, offering a glimmer of attacking threat.
The head-to-head history heavily favours Chelsea. The Blues have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning their last five home matches against the Hammers.
Furthermore, the last five Premier League meetings between these sides have all featured over 2.5 goals, suggesting an open and entertaining contest is likely.
Team news and predicted lineups
Both managers face significant squad challenges, which will heavily influence their tactical setups for the derby.
Chelsea’s injury list is lengthy. They will be without defender Levi Colwill (cruciate ligament tear) for the long term and have lost centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo to a hamstring injury. Midfielder Romeo Lavia (fitness) and Dario Essugo (injury) are also unavailable.
A major blow is the absence of winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is serving a suspension. On a positive note, key playmaker Cole Palmer, who missed recent games with a thigh issue, made a return from the bench against Napoli and could be in line to start.
West Ham also has notable absences. Veteran goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański is sidelined with a back injury. The team has also seen significant squad upheaval with the departures of key players like Lucas Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse.
New signing Adama Traoré could be in line to make his debut, adding a potential new dimension to their attack.
Based on available news, the predicted starting lineups are:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernández, Neto; João Pedro.
West Ham (4-4-1-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Scarles; Bowen, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville; Pablo; Castellanos.
Betting tips and prediction
The pre-match statistics and form strongly point toward a Chelsea victory. Bookmakers’ odds reflect this, with a Chelsea win priced at 1.50.
Match result: Chelsea to win. Chelsea’s superior form, home advantage, and dominance in this fixture make them the clear favourites.
Total goals: Over 2.5 goals. This has been a reliable market in recent clashes between these sides, and both teams have shown a tendency for matches with three or more goals this season.
Both teams to score: Yes. While Chelsea are expected to control the game, West Ham have scored in their last three matches and Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet in their last six league games at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham. Chelsea’s quality and attacking prowess should see them through, but West Ham’s desperation and Chelsea’s occasional defensive lapses likely mean the visitors find the net in a competitive derby.