West Ham United v Chelsea
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 11 September 2010 - Kickoff 3pm

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West Ham United

The problems with West Ham United seemed to have been brushed away this Summer but things have changed rapidly as this once great club seems to lurch from one disaster to another. The owners have a habit of writing scathing articles in the press and this season has proved no different as they undermined the manager Avram Grant and the desire of his players. It has been claimed the Israeli has 3 games to save his job.

West Ham have lost all 3 games this season in the Premier League, and only a 90th minute goal from Scott Parker ensured progress in the Carling Cup. All 3 defeats in the League have seen the side concede 3 goals and performances have been more worrying. While there is no disgrace in losing at Old Trafford, the manner of the defeat has many fans wondering if the Hammers are going down this season. The support can be vital at Upton Park to push the players forward, but if there are signs of frustration, they are not afraid to voice them either.

Robert Green had surgery and was forced to opt out of the England squad for their international games, but he is expected to be fit for this game. Thomas Hitzsperger is getting closer to making his debut for his new side but this game could come too soon for that.

Possible West Ham United Line Up: Green, Spector, Ilunga, Gabbidon, Upson, Parker, Noble, Faubert, Dyer, Boa Morte and Cole (4-5-1)

Chelsea

Chelsea have made a seamless move from last season into the new campaign, scoring 14 goals in their 3 Premier League games and picking up maximum points, the only side in the top flight to do so. The atmosphere seems really relaxed at Stamford Bridge at this moment in time and the squad look like they are fully focused on the prizes that are on offer this season.

The wins over West Bromich Albion, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City have to have been expected for the Blues, but it is the manner of their attacking intent that has impressed the neutrals and commentators alike. Carlo Ancelotti will not want to see his side lose momentum with the Champions League beginning this week and with huge games against Manchester City and Arsenal coming up in the next few weeks.

Frank Lampard should be able to take his place in the starting line up after missing the England games after undergoing surgery. John Terry is unlikely to be fit while Branislav Ivanovic is out.

Possible Chelsea Line Up: Cech, Ferreira, Cole, Alex, Terry, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka and Drogba (4-3-3)

Head to Head

Chelsea have a very strong record against West Ham United in the Premier League in recent seasons, winning 8 of their last 10 meetings home and away.

Chelsea had won on 4 straight visits to Upton Park before drawing here 1-1 last season.

Prediction

West Ham United have a world of pressure upon their shoulders, with the board apparently regretting their choice of Avram Grant as manager and the team in apparent disarray. Being in a relegation threatened position is not an easy predicament to get out of and it is a clear possibility that this team could have 0 points from their first 6 games with a visit to Stoke City and hosting Tottenham Hotspur to follow this game.

Chelsea, on the other hand, are calmness and assurdness personified at the moment and look like they can do no wrong. They have been scoring goals for fun and have full faith in their manager to bring in the right results and trophies. The real test for Chelsea will come after this week once the Champions League begins and the ageing side is faced with 3 games a week.

This looks like a cut and dried pick, but I am going to go against the current trend. West Ham always play with pride in front of their home supporters, especially when their big London rivals come to town and they have managed to pick up points in these games in the past.

They might not get anything from the game, but I expect to see a performance with more pride than in recent weeks and the Hammers to keep this close. I will pick them to do so with the Asian Handicap on offer.

The Pick :

West Ham United 1-2 Chelsea

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take West Ham United + 1.5 Asian Handicap and to play with more pride