Chelsea Vs West Ham: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Stamford Bridge, London |
| Competition | Premier League (Matchday 24) |
🏟️ Blues Aim for Top-Four Surge in London Derby
Chelsea returns to Stamford Bridge for a high-stakes London derby against a resurgent West Ham United. Under Liam Rosenior, the Blues are enjoying a transformative period and arrive fresh from a thrilling 3–2 Champions League comeback victory over Napoli. Currently sitting fifth in the league, a win today could lift them into the Champions League spots, trailing fourth-place Manchester United by just one point.
West Ham arrives seeking a historic third consecutive Premier League victory to climb out of the relegation zone. Nuno Espírito Santo's side has finally sparked their season into life with vital wins over Tottenham and Sunderland. Despite sitting 18th and five points from safety, the Hammers have shown significant defensive improvement and a clinical edge in recent weeks.
- Event: Premier League Matchday 24
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time: 11:00 PM IST (17:30 GMT)
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Context: Chelsea has won their last five home matches against West Ham across all competitions.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Chelsea (Coach: Liam Rosenior, Form: W W W L W)
The Blues received a major boost with the confirmation that Cole Palmer is "fully fit" and available to start following his two vital assists in Naples. João Pedro is expected to lead the line after netting four goals in his last four appearances. However, the defense remains depleted without regulars Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo. Roméo Lavia and the suspended Mykhailo Mudryk also remain unavailable for tonight's clash.
West Ham (Coach: Nuno Espírito Santo, Form: W W W L L)
West Ham boasts a nearly clean bill of health, with backup goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański being the only confirmed absentee. Lucas Paquetá is expected to miss out again as he nears a move back to Brazil with Flamengo. Nuno could hand a full debut to January signing Adama Traoré, though the impressive form of Crysencio Summerville—who has scored in back-to-back league games—makes an unchanged attack more likely.
⭐ Key Players
- Chelsea: Cole Palmer (Midfielder) - The England international returns to the starting XI after missing recent games with a minor thigh strain.
- Chelsea: João Pedro (Forward) - The Brazilian's goal contributions account for 21% of the club's total league goals this season.
- West Ham: Jarrod Bowen (Forward) - Remains the Hammers' most reliable weapon with seven league goals and a tireless work rate.
- West Ham: Crysencio Summerville (Winger) - Has hit form at the perfect moment, finding the net in back-to-back league appearances.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Set-Piece Threat: West Ham relies heavily on set-pieces and the aerial presence of Tomas Soucek to bypass Chelsea's possession-based style.
- Midfield Control: Chelsea is expected to dominate territory, targeting spaces either side of Soucek and Mateus Fernandes.
- Derby Dominance: Chelsea is undefeated at home in London derbies this season and won the reverse fixture 5–1 in August.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
While West Ham arrives with significant momentum and a renewed survival grit, Chelsea's superior depth and recent efficiency at Stamford Bridge make them heavy favorites. The return of Cole Palmer to the starting lineup provides a creative boost that should see the Blues eventually break down Nuno's compact defensive block. Expect an open encounter given both teams' recent scoring trends.
Predicted Score: Chelsea 3–1 West Ham United
Can the Blues break into the top four, or will the Hammers pull off another London derby shock? Kick-off is tonight at 11:00 PM IST!
Would you like me to provide the confirmed starting lineups for Chelsea and West Ham as soon as they are announced at Stamford Bridge?
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