So proper football returns and Chelsea welcome West Ham to the Bridge for the first game of the Premier League campaign. As with all first games of the season optimism and hope reign supreme – well at least before kick off.
Here are some graphics which indicate the relative form of the two teams and provide a useful guide as to the possible outcome.
Chelsea v West Ham fixture history
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have won 22, drawn 7 and lost 11 against West Ham. We can conclude therefore that history is on Chelsea’s side. Chelsea have scored the opening goal in 25 games, West Ham in 12. The statistics indicate that these games are relatively high scoring – with both teams scoring, and over 2.5 goals in the game more likely. Yellow and Red cards are likely to feature befitting the feisty nature of a local derby with Chelsea having received 73 yellow cards and 5 red cards and West Ham 84 yellow cards and 3 reds.
The overall stats for Chelsea v West Ham follow this pattern of Chelsea dominance; lots of goals, yellow and red cards
Chelsea v West Ham Form
It would be tempting to think that West Ham would have more than an edge in recent form given Chelsea’s poor performances last season. However, there is not much between the two sides here.
Chelsea have won 7, drawn 10 and lost 3 of their last 20 at home; West Ham have won 10, drawn 6 and lost 4 of their last 20 at home. West Ham have won 3 of their last 6 games away and Chelsea have only won 1 of their last six at home.
Overall there is not much to split the two sides with Chelsea winning 6, drawing 9 and losing 5 of their last 20 games and West Ham winning 7, drawing 7 and losing 6 of their last 20 games. Goals scored for and against are broadly similar too.
10 Game Ultimate Form Guide
In the ultimate form guide for the last 10 games for each club the stats do not make good reading for Chelsea fans with West Ham edging them in wins; losses; goals scored; shots; conversion rate. Chelsea’s defensive performance is marginally better than West Ham on goals against; shots per goal; and conversion rate.
But that said, given the stats and the form guide, the sides seem fairly evenly matched. On last week’s Chelsea FanCast 3 out of the 4 of us predicted a draw – Dan Levene predicted 1:1; Dan Silver 2:2 and Chidge 3:3. Jonathan predicted that Chelsea would lose 3:1 but then us is usually very pessimistic! It seems from the above that the draw would seem to be the most likely bet, and one with over 2.5 goals. Dan Silver and Chidge talking sense? It will never last.
Let’s hope that we are all wrong and Chelsea dish out a proper ‘hammering’ against the Irons on Monday night to get the season and the Conte era off to a great start.
Forza Conte. Forza Chelsea!
Massive thanks to KickOff for providing us with the stats and graphics. Follow them on twitter @kickoff
