West Ham United hope to rebound after a terrible opening match as they play host to Chelsea at the London Stadium on Friday.
The Hammers fell 3-0 to newly-promoted Sunderland to start their campaign, and Graham Potter’s side now faces a dangerous London Derby against one of the best teams in the Premier League.
Chelsea dropped points in a draw with Crystal Palace, which has my West Ham vs. Chelsea predictions shifting to the player prop market.
Find out why we’re backing Cole Palmer and a favorable betting line in my free betting picks for Friday, August 22.
Premier League predictions for West Ham vs Chelsea
My West Ham vs Chelsea best bet: Cole Palmer Over 3.5 shots (+125 at bet365)
For those of us who preach having accounts and line shopping at multiple sports books, there may not be a better example of why than player shots in soccer. And for our best bet, we’ve gotten Cole Palmer to take at least four shots for +125 odds—compared to -115 at best elsewhere, and -145 at FanDuel.
Why is this such a great play at this price? Because Palmer’s shooting on sight lately. Palmer is typically playing in the number 10 role directly behind the striker, and he’s the primary option on free kicks. And when he plays out wide, his tendency to take shots only increases.
And whether teams bunker in — as I expect West Ham to do — or play in a more open match, Palmer’s able to adapt and get into position to shoot. That’s why he’s taken at least four shots in six of his last eight starts in which he’s played at least an hour, dating back to the start of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea took home a 2-1 victory in their last meeting with West Ham, overcoming a late goal in the first half back in February. In that match, Palmer attempted seven shots, including five from outside the penalty area. Four of those shots came prior to halftime, as Chelsea enjoyed 64% possession before the break and 68% for the match.
After West Ham’s 3-0 loss to open the season at Sunderland, a lot of fans are calling for Graham Potter to lose his job. Potter is statistically the worst manager in West Ham history, and I’m anticipating a very cautious setup as he looks to hit on the counter — just as he set up in February.
If Potter sticks with the 3-4-1-2 setup he had against Sunderland, then Chelsea will control the midfield and keep them pinned deep. This means Palmer’s going to be enticed to test their defenses from distance.
I won’t be surprised to see him blow past the four-shot mark, and I’d recommend playing this down to even money. Take advantage of this incorrect line quickly before it shifts!
West Ham vs Chelsea same-game parlay (SGP)
Cole Palmer Over 3.5 shots
Chelsea moneyline
Marc Cucurella 1+ shots
Chelsea were stifled last week in attack against Crystal Palace, who defended much better than West Ham will, and are more dangerous going forward. They were unfortunate not to score from 19 shots and a 1.60 xG mark, but I don’t see that being an issue against a Hammers side that allowed three goals to newly-promoted Sunderland from just 10 shots.
Marc Cucurella may be the best left back in the Premier League, and he’s always finding ways to get involved in attack. In fact, he’s taken at least one shot in 17 of his last 21 matches for Chelsea, including friendlies.
Cucurella has attempted at least one shot in his last eight appearances for the club. He had two last week against Crystal Palace, including a header from a corner, and we’ll back him to get another one here.
West Ham vs Chelsea odds
West Ham vs Chelsea live odds
West Ham vs Chelsea opening odds
- Moneyline: West Ham +400 | Chelsea -149
- Draw: +309
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-143) | Under 2.5 (+112)
How to watch West Ham vs Chelsea
| Location | London Stadium, London, England |
| Date | Friday, August 22, 2025 |
| Time | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FuboTV |
| Weather | 71F, wind 6-13 mph, PoP 0% |
 Recent EPL form |
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 Recent EPL form |
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West Ham vs Chelsea key injuries
West Ham: Crysencio Summerville M (Doubtful), George Earthy D (Doubtful), Luis Guilherme M (Out), Edson Alvarez M (Out).
Chelsea: Benoit Badiashile D (Out), Levi Colwill D (Out), Omari Kellyman M (Out), Romeo Lavia M (Out), Tosin Adarabioyo D (Out), Nicolas Jackson F (Doubtful), Christopher Nkunku F (Doubtful).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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