David
Moyes goes in search of his first victory as West Ham manager at the fifth
time of asking when they host Chelsea on Saturday.
A bumper Premier League weekend kicks off at the London Stadium as the
Hammers host the champions live in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
West Ham so nearly became the second side to take points off league leaders
Manchester City last time out but David Silva's late winner inflicted a
fourth defeat in six games.
The Hammers have only picked up one point since Moyes' appointment but,
despite their poor form, Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says his side need
to maintain their concentration at the London Stadium, having lost on three
of their last six visits to West Ham in all competitions (W3).
"It's a bit strange to see them in this position," he said. "They have a lot
of good players with great talent. Also this is a very physical team. For
sure they have the potential to do better. I hope not tomorrow, but after
our game. I am surprised they have struggled.
"In their last game, I saw Manchester City struggling a lot before they won.
It won't be easy and it's a London derby. We must pay great attention."
Team news
Joe Hart is set to drop to the bench while Winston Reid, Javier Hernandez
(both hamstring) and Andy Carroll (knee) should be back in the West Ham
squad.
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian impressed when deputising for Hart against his
parent club Man City last weekend and he is poised to keep his place.
Danny Drinkwater is out of Chelsea's trip after missing three days' training
through illness while David Luiz remains sidelined with a knee injury and
Conte reluctant to put a timescale on his absence.
The Blues, who have been without Charly Musonda and Kenedy in recent weeks,
also have "two or three" undisclosed doubts.
Opta stats
West Ham have won just two of their last 22 Premier League games against
Chelsea (D4 L16), losing both matches last season 2-1.
Half of the eight Premier League defeats that Chelsea have suffered under
Antonio Conte have been in London derby matches - Arsenal, Tottenham and
Crystal Palace (twice) during the Italian's reign.
West Ham's total of 10 points from their 15 games this season is their third
worst-ever start to a league season; only in 1973/74 and 1976/77 (both nine
points, based on three points for a win) have seen them win fewer at this
stage.
This will be the 41st consecutive Premier League matchday in which David
Moyes has started in charge of a team in the relegation zone, breaking the
Premier League record. The previous highest tally was held by John Gorman in
1993/94 at Swindon Town (40 in a row).
Eden Hazard has been directly involved in seven goals in his last eight
Premier League games against the Hammers (four goals, three assists).
Nine of Manuel Lanzini's 15 Premier League goals for West Ham United have
come in London derby matches (60 per cent) - this includes two in his last
two against Chelsea.
Merson's prediction
These aren't the games that matter for West Ham. I know it is a London derby
and they don't like each other. I don't expect them to get anything from
this, but if you lose to Arsenal and Chelsea it isn't too bad.
It is the games against Stoke, Newcastle and Bournemouth that matter most.
Chelsea are a superior football team by far. West Ham's battles are still to
come.
Chelsea have turned a corner, and have some good fixtures coming up, so I
expect them to be putting pressure on Manchester City.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (11/1 with Sky Bet)
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