West Ham United welcome Chelsea to the London Stadium in a Premier League Round 2 clash that promises intensity, redemption, and early-season drama. With kickoff scheduled for Friday night at 10pm East Africa Time, both sides are eager to establish momentum after frustrating starts to the 2025/26 campaign.
The Hammers come into this fixture under pressure after a 3-0 defeat to Sunderland in their opening game left them languishing in 19th place. With zero points on the board, West Ham know they cannot afford another setback, especially in front of their home fans. Chelsea, meanwhile, are slightly better positioned, sitting 11th after a goalless draw with Crystal Palace. However, for a team with lofty ambitions, a derby victory could prove vital in jump-starting their season.
West Ham’s Form and Struggles
West Ham’s preparations for the season have been inconsistent. Their last five matches have produced two wins, one draw, and two losses. In pre-season, they registered promising wins over Bournemouth and Everton, but defeats against Manchester United and Sunderland exposed lingering vulnerabilities. Despite moments of promise, the Hammers need a sharper defensive display and greater attacking fluidity to stand a chance against Chelsea.
Chelsea’s Momentum and Derby Edge
Chelsea enter the game on a stronger footing, boasting four wins and a draw from their last five outings. Their pre-season form was electric, with commanding victories over AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, followed by impressive FIFA Club World Cup triumphs against Paris Saint-Germain and Fluminense. While their Premier League opener ended in a 0-0 stalemate, the Blues have shown signs of being a far more cohesive and clinical unit compared to their rivals.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent history heavily favors Chelsea, who have claimed three wins from the last five meetings between the clubs. Their most recent clash ended in a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, with Pedro Neto sealing the win. Chelsea have also enjoyed dominant wins, including a 3-0 triumph at the London Stadium in September 2024 and a 5-0 thrashing in May 2024. West Ham’s last success came in August 2023 with a 3-1 home victory, a result they will be desperate to replicate.
As both clubs prepare for battle, Chelsea will be aiming to assert their dominance once more, while West Ham seek redemption and their first points of the season. With pride and momentum at stake, this London derby promises fireworks under the Friday night lights.
