The second round of the Premier League kicks off on Friday, August 22, at the London Stadium, with the early clash between West Ham and Chelsea, two teams that disappointed in their opening fixtures. Graham Potter’s side, facing his recent past, comes from a heavy 3-0 defeat away to newly promoted Southampton, while Enzo Maresca’s team did slightly better, drawing 0-0 at home against Crystal Palace. West Ham must react quickly, aiming for a league win against the Blues that has been missing for exactly two years. Securing a victory would allow Potter to keep his job and approach the upcoming fixtures with more confidence, starting with the EFL Cup match scheduled for August 26 against Wolverhampton. On the contrary, another defeat could push the club’s management to reconsider its plans and dismiss the English coach only a few weeks into the new season. Chelsea, after dropping points against Crystal Palace, also hope to come out of their second consecutive London derby with all three points in order not to fall behind the top teams after just two matchdays. The Blues’ objective, after winning the Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup last season, is to challenge Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool in the Premier League title race. To do so, however, they cannot afford to lose points early on. From this perspective, the calendar is not too demanding: Chelsea could target full points against West Ham, Fulham, and Brentford before their first big clash of the season on September 26 against Manchester United.

West Ham's recent form and key stats

West Ham had the worst possible start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, losing 3-0 in their opener away at Southampton. The match was balanced in the first half, but in the second the Saints struck twice with headers from Mayenda and Ballard, before Isidor sealed the win in stoppage time, taking advantage of a mistake from Hermansen.

Graham Potter, whose position as manager is already under scrutiny, faces this challenge without young striker Summerville and midfielder Earthy. The former Chelsea coach will rely on his traditional 3-4-3 formation with Wilson as the lone striker supported on the wings by Paqueta and Bowen. The performances of wingers Diouf and Wan-Bissaka will be decisive on both offence and defence.

Chelsea's recent form and key stats

Chelsea also slipped up, failing to go beyond 0-0 at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17. Enzo Maresca’s men were lucky in the 12th minute when a goal by Eberechi Eze from a free kick was controversially disallowed by VAR. The two new signings Estevao and Delap failed to impress, both missing clear scoring opportunities.

To secure what would be his seventh consecutive positive result in official matches, Maresca is expected to stick with his traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, with Joao Pedro up front supported by Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Estevao. However, there is a defensive emergency: alongside long-term absentees Badiashile and Colwill, center-back Adarabioyo may also join the injury list.

West Ham vs Chelsea prediction and tactical overview

With both teams desperate for their first three points, the London derby between West Ham and Chelsea promises to be intense and hard-fought.

Last season, the Blues won both league meetings: 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and 3-0 at the London Stadium. Head-to-head history often produces entertaining matches with plenty of goals: seven of the last ten encounters ended with at least three total goals, with Chelsea winning seven, West Ham two, and just one draw.

For this Premier League Matchday 2 fixture, the expectation is again for a game with Over 2.5 goals. West Ham looked too vulnerable against Southampton, especially in aerial duels, while Chelsea’s defense is hit by too many absences.

On top of that, several attacking players from both sides will be eager to score after failing to do so in the opening round. All eyes will be on Jarrod Bowen and Cole Palmer, last season’s top scorers with 13 and 18 goals respectively.

• West Ham vs Chelsea prediction from BetMines algorithm suggests a match with Over 2.5 goals at 53% probability.
  
  
• West Ham vs Chelsea prediction from BetMines algorithm suggests a match with Under 2.5 goals at 47% probability.

Probable lineups West Ham vs Chelsea

WEST HAM (3-4-3): Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Alvarez, Soucek, Diouf; Bowen, Wilson, Paqueta. Coach: Graham Potter

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Estevao; Joao Pedro. Coach: Enzo Maresca