There is just one Premier League game on the docket tomorrow during this week of staggered scheduling, and it’s a London derby. Chelsea, currently level on points with fourth place Arsenal, but sitting fifth due to goal differential, will host 11th place West Ham United.
Let’s take a look at the fitness situation for both sides, starting with the hosts. Chelsea does not have anybody out injured, but there are two doubts for the Blues: Marcos Alonso (hamstring) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (hamstring).
For Manuel Pellegrinni’s side though, the list of fitness concerns is quite long. Midfielders Felipe Anderson (ankle), and Samri Nasri (calf) are both considered a doubt for this one, likewise for defender Ryan Fredericks (knock).
The Hammers will be without some long-term injury absentees as well, including Winston Reid, who continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury, long time Arsenal man Jack Wilshere, whose ankle problem should keep him out for another week or so and Carlos Sánchez, who also has a knee issue that will keep him out of action for a couple more weeks yet.
It is unknown when forward Andy Carroll (ankle issue) or Andriy Yarmolenko (achilles) will be able to feature again. Neither side has anyone suspended for this match.
Chelsea FC vs West Ham United FYIs
Kick-off: Monday April 8, Stamford Bridge 8pm
Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Google Result Probability: Chelsea win 74% Draw 17% West Ham win 9%
Form Guide: Chelsea WWDLWW West Ham WLWLWL
Betting Odds: Chelsea 1/3 Draw 23/5, West Ham 9/1
Final Score Prediction: Chelsea 0, West Ham 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.