BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted Chelsea will inflict more pain on West Ham on Saturday after the Hammers slipped up last weekend.
The Hammers will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways having missed the chance to further cement a place in the top four when David Moyes’ men were beaten 3-2 by Newcastle United.
Writing his regular prediction column for BBC Sport, Lawrenson has backed Chelsea to come away with a 2-0 victory in what is a huge clash in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
This is a big game in terms of the top four and I just wonder if West Ham might be in a bit of a trough at the moment after their defeat by Newcastle last time out. Midfielder Declan Rice and striker Michail Antonio are injured and defender Craig Dawson is suspended after his red card against the Magpies. Chelsea did not do a lot in their draw against Brighton on Tuesday. The Blues have got their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday so boss Thomas Tuchel might rest players, although it is difficult to know what his priority will be. Chelsea need to be in the Champions League next season. So, I would be very surprised if Tuchel seriously messes with his team on Saturday.
A loss for the Hammers would be a damaging blow for their top-four chances with just five fixtures remaining thereafter.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
The prediction will come as no surprise to Irons fans, as the former Liverpool defender has rarely preempted a West Ham win at any point during the campaign.
Despite the hope of another incorrect prediction and the transformation undergone by Moyes’ side this term, it’s difficult to argue with the rationale behind the doubts given the key injuries suffered.
