Two teams seeking their first win of the season on matchday two go head-to-head at the London Stadium in this weekend’s Premier League opener on Friday night, when West Ham United host Chelsea.
It was a disappointing opening weekend for both, as West Ham were humbled at Sunderland, and Chelsea flattered to deceive at home to Crystal Palace.
West Ham’s Premier League opener could hardly have gone any worse last weekend, as Graham Potter’s men began with a 3-0 thrashing at the Stadium of Light away to Sunderland. The Blues won at the London Stadium last season, but it is 11 years since they won back-to-back matches away to West Ham, winning just three of their last 11 games on the Hammers’ turf.
Personnel changes are expected in the West Ham side after a dismal display in the North East last weekend, and one could be a full debut for Callum Wilson, who only came off the bench last weekend.
Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse as a midfield two is an experiment that is unlikely to continue, so Tomas Soucek, Edson Alvarez and Andy Irving are all in contention to start in this one.
There has still been no replacement signed for Mohammed Kudus, and Crysencio Summerville remains sidelined, so much of the burden in attack will fall on Jarrod Bowen, who scored 13 and assisted eight in the Premier League last season.
Chelsea are without long-term absentee Levi Colwill at the back, while Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo’s setbacks saw Josh Acheampong start along with Trevoh Chalobah, as Wesley Fofana is not yet fully fit.
Nicolas Jackson is back from a three-match suspension which carried over from last season, but Joao Pedro is set to start again in attack against opponents he has scored six goals against previously - a career-best.
Elsewhere on the injury list, Romeo Lavia is set to remain out with another minor problem, following a 2024-25 campaign that was littered with issues and setbacks.
