West Ham United travel across London on Saturday evening, aiming to continue their revival under Nuno Espirito Santo against Chelsea.
The Hammers are searching for back-to-back league wins away from home, and a result in a London derby that rarely treats them kindly would do them a world of good.
Chelsea arrive buoyed by a midweek Champions League triumph and growing belief under new manager Liam Rosenior.
The ingredients are there for an enthralling contest between two sides moving in very different directions, but both sensing opportunity.
Match preview
West Ham have improved after a miserable 10-game winless run earlier in the season.
Some crucial West Ham wins have injected belief into a squad that looked destined for trouble just weeks ago. The win over Sunderland was particularly encouraging.
First-half goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes showcased a sharper, more cohesive attacking unit.
The Hammers conceded just two shots on target, their best defensive return of the campaign.
Despite the upturn, West Ham remain 18th and five points from safety, meaning momentum must quickly turn into sustained results.
However, Chelsea represent a stern test. They sit fifth in the table and are brimming with confidence.
Rosenior’s side have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and come into this fixture off the back of a dramatic 3-2 Champions League win at Napoli.
History also favours the hosts. Chelsea have won their last four league meetings with West Ham by an aggregate score of 15-2.
Match stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in the league under Rosenior.
The Blues have also scored 109 Premier League goals against West Ham, their second-highest tally against any opponent.
West Ham have won just one of their last 19 Premier League away games against Chelsea, losing each of the last five.
However, the Hammers have won their last two league games and are chasing three consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since December 2023.
Team news
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to keep changes to a minimum after the Sunderland win.
Lukasz Fabianski remains sidelined with a back issue. Lucas Paqueta has left the club, and James Ward-Prowse is set to depart. They are unavailable.
El Hadji Malick Diouf is pushing to start at left-back ahead of Oliver Scarles. The 21-year-old’s last appearance was against Aston Villa in December.
New signing Adama Traore will hope to make his full debut following his move from Fulham, but Bowen and Summerville will probably retain their places on the flanks.
January arrivals Valentin Castellanos and Pablo Felipe are set to continue their partnership in attack, with Callum Wilson again providing impact from the bench.
West Ham predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Alphonse Areola; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, Konstantinos Mavropanos, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Mateus Fernandes, Tomas Soucek; Jarrod Bowen, Pablo, Crysencio Summerville; Valentin Castellanos.
