It took a bit longer than expected, but after spending in the transfer window and bringing in a new, esteemed manager, West Ham finally got its first points of the season with a 3-1 win at Everton last weekend. Now the Hammers welcome table-toppers Chelsea into London Stadium in hopes of ending the Blues’ unbeaten run and climbing out of the lower places in the standings.
Online shop Sportsbook has the visitors as moneyline favorites at -180 with the Hammers as +475 dogs and the draw +340. As for the total, OVER 3 is even money with the UNDER coming back at -120. In spread markets, Chelsea is -1 at even money with the Hammers -120 as one-goal dogs.
- Chelsea has scored at least 2 goals in all 5 of its matches.
- West Ham has won 3 of the last 4 home games against Chelsea (all competitions).
- West Ham’s Marko Arnautovic was taken off last week due to an injury and could miss out.
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Sarri’s Chelsea has no problem scoring
Maurizio Sarri was a sought-after manager in the football world considering the incredibly attractive football he demands from his sides. His Napoli teams played some of the prettiest football in Europe and gave Juventus a challenge for the Serie A crown last season. But the way in which his Chelsea side has adapted to his tactics has been impressive and the full 15-point haul is deserved.
The Blues have scored at least two goals in all five of their matches thus far and they are tied with Manchester City for most goals in the league with 14. Eden Hazard has especially benefited from Sarri’s interpretation of the “beautiful game.” The Belgian wizard is coming off a hat trick against Cardiff and leads the league in goals with five. Considering he tallied a dozen in 34 league games last season, he’s off to a flying start under Sarri and is on pace to eclipse his Premier League high of 16 (2016-17).
Furthermore, in just two road games, Chelsea has scored five goals. Small sample size, sure, but that’s a damn good haul in just two games away from Stamford Bridge. This opens up plenty of betting options. Chelsea’s team total is sitting at 2 (EVEN) and if you’re willing to pay for it, OVER 1 in the first half at -180 looks to be a lock.
Good Bet on the Home Team?
As good as Chelsea has been, if you’re looking to back the dog here, that wouldn’t go amiss. West Ham has won three of the last four home games against Chelsea in all competitions. This nugget gives a little credence to anyone looking to bet on the home dog here.
The Hammers won last season’s fixture 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Marko Arnautovic (more on him in a second). In 2016, the Hammers won a League Cup game against a mostly rotated Chelsea side by a score of 2-1 while they won by the same scoreline in the 2015-16 Premier League season behind goals from Maurao Zárate and Andy Carroll.
Yes, this is a nice little stat and if it helps you back the Hammers, great. I wish you luck on your journey! It’s not a play I’ll be making, however. West Ham is better than what we’ve seen so far, but I just can’t see them escaping this one with a full three points.
Stranger things have happened, though.
Injury Notes
I spoke about West Ham talisman Marko Arnautovic in the above section and, as of Friday morning, there is a chance he might not play. If news doesn’t surface about his status, you’ll definitely want to wait to place your West Ham wager until the starting XI is announced.
Arnautovic came off against Everton last week with a knee injury and is key to the West Ham attack. The Austrian has three goals and one assist in his five appearances this season and while Andriy Yarmolenko certainly made his appearance felt vs the Toffees last week, Arnautovic is still the driving force for the Hammers.
Elsewhere on the injury front for West Ham, Winston Reid, Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere are all doubts. On the other side, Mateo Kovacic and Pedro will need to be assessed for fitness as well. That said, no name on that list would have the impact of Arnautovic.
Ninja’s Pick
I’ve been doing fairly well with my editorial picks and I’m coming off a 3-0 weekend with my YouTube picks, so hopefully I can keep that going. As stated, there are many decent-looking bets to make in this game, but I really like OVER 2 for Chelsea’s team total. I know it’s in hostile territory and I know Chelsea won’t be bagging at least two goals per game all season long, but while West Ham is getting better, they’ll have their hands full in this one. Gimme Chelsea OVER 2 goals at even money.
Whatever you do with your bets, best of luck!
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