Match Overview

Chelsea welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League London derby that carries both intensity and tactical intrigue. The hosts come in with measured control at home, while West Ham look to translate recent home momentum into a stronger away display. Chelsea’s 5-1 win in August 2025 adds an edge to the narrative, but recent meetings have typically produced goals for both sides. Expect a disciplined approach from Chelsea against West Ham’s direct threat on the break.

• Fixture: Chelsea vs West Ham United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Stamford Bridge
• Date: 31-01-2026
• Kickoff: 17:30 GMT / 17:30 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea

• Robert Sánchez
• T. Chalobah
• Marc Cucurella
• R. James
• M. Gusto
• E. Fernández
• M. Caicedo
• Andrey Santos
• Genesis Antwi
• João Pedro
• Pedro Neto

West Ham United

• A. Areola
• J. Todibo
• K. Mavropanos
• A. Wan-Bissaka
• M. Kilman
• Mateus Fernandes
• T. Soucek
• Lucas Paqueta
• F. Potts
• J. Bowen
• C. Summerville

Injury & Suspension Report

Chelsea

• Dário Essugo – Injury
• L. Colwill – Knee Injury
• T. Adarabioyo – Muscle Injury
• M. Mudryk – Suspended
• R. Lavia – Thigh Injury

West Ham United

• L. Fabianski – Back Injury
• Lucas Paqueta – Inactive

Head-to-Head

Across 111 meetings, Chelsea lead the series with 49 wins, West Ham have 40 victories, and 22 matches have ended level. The last eight clashes have typically produced over three goals on average, and Chelsea won the most recent encounter 5-1 in August 2025.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Chelsea’s controlled home form and defensive structure

Chelsea’s recent run at Stamford Bridge shows a side comfortable managing games, with eight goals scored across their last five home fixtures. Against similarly strong opponents, their matches have often been balanced, averaging around 1.4 goals scored and conceded. Robert Sánchez anchors a well-organised back line, highlighted by 10 clean sheets in 18 home outings. With João Pedro on seven goals this season, the hosts possess a reliable finisher to convert their patient buildup.

J. Bowen’s away threat and West Ham’s road output

West Ham have struggled for volume on their travels, producing four goals in their last five away matches alongside two draws and two defeats. However, they arrive after a 3-1 home win over Sunderland in which C. Summerville scored, and Jarrod Bowen remains a key outlet with six goals in the competition and five strikes across 14 away games. One concern is creativity: Lucas Paqueta is listed as inactive, which could reduce their link play between midfield and attack.

Tactical outlook and key matchups

Chelsea’s approach should centre on midfield control through E. Fernández and M. Caicedo, enabling full-backs R. James and M. Gusto to provide width without exposing the back line. West Ham will likely lean on transitions, direct running from C. Summerville, and Bowen’s movement against Chelsea’s defensive shape. Set pieces will be crucial, with T. Soucek a consistent aerial threat and Chelsea’s structure tested by deliveries into the box.

Given Chelsea’s stability at home and West Ham’s modest away output, the hosts have a narrow edge. Prediction: Chelsea to win by a one-goal margin, with both teams having chances but the home side showing greater control over key phases.