The London Stadium will raise the curtain on the English Premier League’s second gameweek, as West Ham United host four-time champions Chelsea.
Hammers manager Graham Potter saw his side defeated 3-0 by newly-promoted Sunderland on the opening day of the 2025/26 season.
This poor result, coupled with a summer transfer window in which they lost Mohammed Kudus to rivals Tottenham Hotspur, means alarm bells are already ringing in East London.
Friday night will see the second of four consecutive matches in which manager Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side don’t have to leave the United Kingdom’s capital.
Despite a busy summer, both in the transfer window and on the pitch, the newly-crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions got off to a shaky start at Stamford Bridge, drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace.
Here, EPL Bets writer Callum Close looks to tip up a winning treble, after doing so in last Friday’s season-opener at Anfield.
What are the best bets for West Ham v Chelsea?
Chelsea to win
The Blues have far more quality at their disposal when compared to Friday night’s hosts and though they are short-priced, I expect their trip across London to be a formality.
Chelsea did the double over West Ham last season, including winning 3-0 in this fixture.
Cole Palmer to have over 0.5 shots on target
The England international netted at the London Stadium last season and I expect him to test the goalkeeper at least once in this fixture again.
Max Kilman to commit over 0.5 fouls
Kilman was booked in this fixture last season and in Saturday’s season opener at the Stadium Of Light, after he committed two fouls.
Where can I watch West Ham v Chelsea?
Chelsea v Crystal Palace will be live on Sky Sports and available to stream via its Sky Go service on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 2pm (BST).
What is West Ham’s form?
L-W-W-D-L
What is Chelsea’s form?
W-W-W-W-D
What was the score when West Ham played Chelsea in their last game?
Chelsea 2-1 West Ham (EPL – Feb 3, 2025)
Who scored when West Ham played Chelsea in their last game?
Pedro Neto (64’), Aaron Wan-Bissaka OG (74’)
Jarrod Bowen (42’)
