London Derby Preview

The Premier League offered an abbreviated schedule this weekend due to midweek play, and FA Cup competitions, now match week 33 concludes with a classic London Derby on Monday night.

Chelsea vs. West Ham
Stamford Bridge, London, England
NBCSN - SKY Sports
4-8-2019 - 3:00 pm ET - 8:00 pm GMT

The battle of London features two clubs heading in opposite directions, with Chelsea currently embattled for a prestigious spot in Europe next season and West Ham struggling to break into the Top 10 of the table.

Chelsea enters Monday's match with plenty to play for after fellow London side Arsenal dropped all three points to Everton on Sunday afternoon. The Blues now have the opportunity to take sole possession of third place in the standings with a victory, giving them an upper leg as the final weeks of action come to an end.

Maurizio Sarri will have several different factors to take into consideration as he selects his starting eleven. The Italian manager is also scheduled to take part in the first leg of Europa League action on Thursday night, placing an added emphasis on selecting the correct players for their current task at hand.

The Blues Squad Selection

Sarri is rumored to field his stronger core of players, with a front-line combination of Willian, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Eden Hazard, there will be no shortage of firepower as the hosts move forward in attack.

The Chelsea faithful are puzzled regarding the status of Callum Hudson-Odoi who is coming off his first official start in the EPL, where the young English international proved he was worthy of being a full-time starter within the Blues regular rotation. Hudson-Odoi still seems to be on the outside looking in as part of Sarri's vision, but his talent is undeniable, and we should expect his name in bright lights as his game continues to grow.

The midfield selection also sends a statement that the home side is going for all three points, with N'Golo Kanté the leading figure in the middle of the pitch, the French-man is arguably the best at his position, giving the Blues stability on both sides of the ball.

Sarri will be without the services of Pedro, Marcos Alonso, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek who picked up a knock during midweek play, allowing the likes of Ross Barkley to get the call, as the inconsistent midfielder looks to prove his worth in the Italian's style of play.

Chelsea dropped their first points of the season against this same West Ham side earlier in the campaign, playing to a 0-0 draw, the Blue's now have a shot at redemption, as they attempt to take overall bragging rights and claim the third spot in the EPL standings.

West Ham makes the short trip to Stamford Bridge in need of a positive result, after failing to win consecutive games in over three months, the Hammer's hope to start a sustained winning streak to close out the 2018-2019 season.

Manuel Pellegrini has endured a challenging time during his return to the premiership, and after being sacked at Manchester City in favor of Pep Guardiola, the Chilean manager made his triumphant return to England's top league with lofty expectations.

Pellegrini's Injury Plagued Squad

The veteran taskmaster has been unlucky on the injury front, dealing with a lengthy list of inactive players throughout his short time with the club, Pelligrini could be without as many as nine members to his preferred rotation.

Felipe Anderson, Marko Arnautovic and Samir Nasri are all game-time decisions, with the trio providing real quality within the Londoner's 4-2-3-1 formation, they have accounted for 15 goals and nine assists during their time abbreviated time on the pitch.

Mexican international Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has stepped up and seized his opportunity to shine, often considered a role player at this point in his career, the former Manchester United man is content on regular playing time, and after scoring two goals over his last two outings, the Hammer's number-nine hopes to get the call for this marquee matchup.

Manuel Lanzini has been a welcome addition as he returned from his stint on the sidelines. Lanzini provides the team with a creative figure, able to set up others with his topnotch passing skills. The Argentine also offers a treat from long range out, capable of placing the ball in the back of the net, and he is most dangerous with open space outside the box.

West Ham is currently a full four points from a top ten spot in the standings, with a huge incentive to finish in the upper half of the table, the Hammer's are under the gun to collect as many positive points as possible.

Chelsea vs. West Ham - Match Prediction

The 112th meeting all-time of these English stalwarts should be an entertaining affair. Both sides prefer to move forward in attack, setting up for plenty of action as the opening whistle arrives.

Chelsea will enter this matchup playing their third game in the last nine days, and the possibility of fatigue is always a concerning factor. Regardless, Sarri's men are certain to dictate the pace of this contest for much of their time paired together. Preferring a large amount of possession, the hosts are averaging 61% in front of their home crowd and an impressive two goals per match while at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues continue to adapt to Sarriball, using a high press to cause disruption and a series of short passes to their advantage, the Italian has his team creating an average of 17 shots per match, placing tremendous pressure on opposing back-lines.

Team Prop
Chelsea - To Score In Both Halves - YES  -120 / 1.83

West Ham possesses its own set of problems as they attempt to shock their western neighbors. The Hammer's are most comfortable using through balls to set their danger-men into motion, although they are only averaging 0.9 goals per match during their travels, the visitors are more than capable of increasing those numbers each time out.

Based on these teams style of play, and attacking options in front of goal, I expect to see a better result than their first meeting of the season, with plenty of balls being placed in the back of the net.

Chelsea vs. West Ham - Betting Tips

Over 1.25  -115 / 1.87 - Total 1st Half Goals
Over 3  -115 / 1.87  -  Total Full-Time Goals 

Odds Provided By Bookmaker

All Picks Verified Through Cappersenterprise on Twitter @Cappersentrprze