Fortunately for Chelsea supporters, the 2015-16 season is now over with, and that nightmare can be laid to rest. Antonio Conte has taken over as the boss of this team, and he's being held to an incredibly high standard right out of the gate. Anything less than three points against West Ham on Monday to finish off the first Match Day of the new EPL season will put pressure on him to immediately start to get some better results.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea -156
West Ham +475
Draw +290
Over/Under 2.5 (over -112)
Odds Analysis
Chelsea is being lined as a title contender in this matchup, and it's hard to disagree with the oddsmakers on this one. The Blues are set at -156 on the moneyline and are expected to win this match significantly more often than not.
That said, West Ham has to be taken seriously at +475 on the moneyline and at +0.5 and +131 vig on the Asian Handicap.
The total of 2.5 and -112 vig on the over is relatively high by today's EPL standards, but it's not insanely high either.
Key Injuries
Chelsea will star this season in relatively good shape on the injury front. John Mikel Obi won't partake in the first few matches of the year because he's playing at the Olympics with Nigeria, while Kurt Zouma probably won't end up playing for at least a few months after his knee injury he suffered in the second half of last season.
The Hammers are hoping that the back issues which have plagued Diafra Sakho this offseason will subside by the time this match kicks off against Chelsea. Aside from that, this is a relatively healthy side, though Manuel Lanzini is also out until at least the start of September.
Live Betting
This Chelsea team really underachieved in every aspect of the game last season, and there are several men who really have to step up for this year's team.
The biggest of these problems was probably Diego Costa. Costa is just 27 years old, but it feels like he's been at Stamford Bridge for quite some time.
But perhaps the bigger issue to watch in this match is at the back. Thibaut Courtois didn't have the best tournament in Euro 2016, and the wonder has to be apparently as to whether he's capable of leading a Premier League team of this caliber or not. His defense in front of him is really young outside of John Terry, who isn't getting first-team playing time any longer.
Quick Pick
We haven't spoken much about West Ham yet, but Slaven Bilic really did a nice job with this team last year. This is a big season for sure with a chance for the Hammers with their Europa League run, and they'll be playing at London Stadium when they get back at home.
This club is already in fine form with its Europa League playoff matches, and that could bode well for up and coming players Winston Reid, Mark Noble, Enner Valencia and others.
West Ham will believe it can win this match, and we do as well. That said, we think this is destined to finish all square with both teams finding the scoreboard. This could end up being a higher scoring match as well to kick off the season.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 2, West Ham 2
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