Chelsea vs West Ham United
It was West Ham where it all started for Frank Lampard.
He came through the Upton Park youth ranks and then spent his first six years there, including making his Premier League debut.
Yet his time came to an acrimonious end in June 2001 when he swapped east London for west, with an £11million move to their bitter rivals Chelsea.
Now as he faces his boyhood club for the first time as manager, he could seriously damage the future of his opposite number in the dugout.
Talking Points
For Manuel Pellegrini is a man under pressure.
His team has collected just two points from their last seven games and has not won since beating Manchester United in September.
The word from West Ham following a hammering at Burnley a fortnight ago was that Pellegrini would be given more time. Now, on virtually a daily basis, speculation mounts about his future.
Of course, he’s far from the only one and, like Jose Mourinho a year ago, it is easy to forget here is a manager with a proven track record.
Let’s remember, Pellegrini has a wealth of experience and last season guided them to a season of stability and promise they have not enjoyed for years.
There was excitement when the title-winning Manchester City manager arrived at the London Stadium as David Moyes’s replacement in May 2018. That should not be evaporated at the first real poor run of his 18-month tenure.
On the team news front, there may be little encouragement for West Ham fans.
Under-fire keeper Roberto is set to lose his place.
There is even a suggestion that third-string keeper David Martin, signed on a free from Millwall this summer, or U23 Joseph Anang, may be called upon to replace the error-prone Roberto (Lukasz Fabianski is still around a month away from a return).
There will be an enforced change to the back four as centre back Issa Diop will be suspended having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend.
Pellegrini chose to shift Declan Rice to centre half against Spurs when he took Diop off, which could be a clue to his thinking for this game – we will wait and see.
One thing is certain though.
After an impressive start to his own managerial experience in the top flight at the club he now considers ‘home’, Lampard can do little wrong.
His decision to blood young players, something supporters have desired for years, because of the club’s two-window transfer ban has only added to his reputation in SW6.
Pellegrini will need all his wily experience and know-how to silence those supporters and the favourite kid in town this weekend.
History
This match towards the end of last season produced one of the Premier League highlights – a mesmeric performance from a player who will be remembered as one of the modern day greats of the English game.
It was a routine home win also in a fixture in which West Ham have not triumphed for 19 years.
It was September 2002 when the Hammers last won at Stamford Bridge.
On that occasion, they secured a memorable 3-2 win thanks to goals from Jermain Defoe and Paolo Di Canio (two).
Lampard was in the Chelsea team that afternoon and saw his first love win, despite goals from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (penalty) and Gianfranco Zola.
That season was also the last time West Ham completed a double over Chelsea.
Overall, the record stands at 50 Chelsea successes, 40 West Ham victories and 22 draws.
Their best record came between 2004 and 2008 when the west Londoners defeated the east Londoners on seven successive occasions.
Betting Tip
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Chelsea vs West Ham United | Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.20 |
| November 30, 23:00 (GMT+8) |
It’s hard to bet against Chelsea as they seek to return to winning ways after a narrow but spirited defeat at the champions last time out.
With the Sbobet Premier League betting odds, Chelsea can be backed 1X2 @ 1.28 with West Ham well adrift @ 8.75 and the draw @ 5.80.
You can also tip them to win with Asian Handicap odds -2.00 @ 2.20, while West Ham are + 1.50 @ 2.14.
Under 3.25 goals @ 2.38 caught my eye as I think West Ham, on the back of such a miserable run, will try and keep things tight.
Total goal 2-3 @ 2.20 differs little from total goal 4-6 @ 2.28, while a repeat of the fixture last season – correct score 2-0 – will payout @ 7.20.
Chelsea had the exertions of a midweek Champions League tie to contend with so may not be as fresh as their opponents yet I still expect them to edge this derby.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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