Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening for a high-stakes London derby against a resurgent West Ham United. <\/p>\n
Both sides are desperate for points at opposite ends of the Premier League table. Under the guidance of Liam Rosenior, the Blues are enjoying a transformative period. They arrive fresh from a thrilling 3\u20132 Champions League comeback victory over Napoli that secured their place in the Round of 16.<\/p>\n
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Chelsea currently sit fifth in the league, just one point behind the Champions League spots. Conversely, West Ham arrive having finally sparked their season into life with consecutive victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland. Despite sitting 18th and five points from safety, Nuno Esp\u00edrito Santo\u2019s side has shown significant defensive improvement.<\/p>\n
Chelsea vs West Ham United \u2013 Match preview and team news<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, 31 January 2026<\/p>\n
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London<\/p>\n
Last Meeting: West Ham 1\u20135 Chelsea (22 Aug 2025), Premier League<\/p>\n
Team NewsChelsea<\/p>\n
Liam Rosenior confirmed that Cole Palmer is \u201cfully fit\u201d and available to start after his two vital assists in Naples. Jo\u00e3o Pedro is also expected to lead the line following an impressive run of four goals in his last four appearances. However, the Blues remain without defensive regulars Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and D\u00e1rio Essugo. Rom\u00e9o Lavia and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) also remain unavailable for selection tonight.<\/p>\n
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West Ham<\/p>\n
The Hammers boast a nearly clean bill of health. Backup goalkeeper \u0141ukasz Fabia\u0144ski is the only confirmed absentee with a back injury. Nuno Esp\u00edrito Santo could hand a full debut to January signing Adama Traor\u00e9, although the impressive form of Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen makes an unchanged attack likely. New arrivals Valentin Castellanos and Pablo Felipe are also expected to retain their starting roles.<\/p>\n
FormChelsea<\/p>\n
The Blues have moved into a positive period, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions. Recent league results include a 3\u20131 win at Crystal Palace and a 2\u20130 victory over Brentford. Notably, Chelsea have won their last four Premier League games against West Ham by an aggregate score of 15\u20132. Captain Enzo Fern\u00e1ndez has been vital, ranking third in the league for line-breaking passes into the opposition box.<\/p>\n
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West Ham<\/p>\n
West Ham arrive following a significant 3\u20131 home success against Sunderland and a gritty 2\u20131 away win at Tottenham. Notably, Crysencio Summerville has found his scoring touch, netting in each of his last two league games. However, the Hammers have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 20 Premier League games. Furthermore, they have won just one of their last 19 away games at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n
Predicted Lineups<\/p>\n
Chelsea Predicted XI: S\u00e1nchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fern\u00e1ndez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro<\/p>\n
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West Ham Predicted XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf; Bowen, Sou\u010dek, Fernandes, Summerville; Pablo; Castellanos<\/p>\n
How to Watch Chelsea vs West Ham United?<\/p>\n
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage is scheduled to start at 17:00 GMT.<\/p>\n
Read more-\u00a0Howe makes Isak transfer admission ahead of Liverpool clash<\/a><\/p>\n See Also-\u00a0Arteta admits Arsenal questioned themselves after Man United defeat<\/a><\/p>\n Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n