The decision to replace Antonio Conte with Maurizio Sarri seems to have been an inspired one for Chelsea. Sarri has the Blues at the top of the Premier League table through the first five games of the season. They have won all five of their matches, and Chelsea are in a much better position than they were in last season when they finished outside the top four. Chelsea will aim to make it six in a row to start the year when they face fellow London club West Ham United.
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English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Chelsea -192
West Ham United +479
Draw +358
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
West Ham got off to a rough start this season. The Hammers lost each of their first four matches, and they were dead last going into last week’s games with just two goals to their name. However, they were able to end the losing streak with a nice 3-1 win on the road against an injury-depleted Everton side. Someone other than Marko Arnautovic finally scored, and that helped take the pressure off of West Ham’s primary striker.
It looks like Chelsea’s players are happy to be playing in a new system. Under Conte, the Blues were asked to be very defensive and pragmatic on the attack, but under Sarri things have been more free-flowing. Chelsea have notched multiple goals in all five of their matches, and they scored a big win against Cardiff City last week. Eden Hazard notched a hat trick to lead Chelsea in the victory.
Key Injuries
Four West Ham players have already been ruled out for this game. Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll, and Winston Reid will miss this match, and none are expected to return sooner than November. The big news revolves around Arnautovic though. He is listed as a game-time decision with a knee injury, and if West Ham doesn’t have their best offensive option, they will struggle to score. Javier Hernandez is also listed as questionable.
Marco van Ginkel is a long-term injury on the side of Chelsea, and there is no timetable on when he will return. Emerson is listed as doubtful due to an illness, while Mateo Kovacic is listed as probable to play. As of yet, there is no definitive word on the status of Pedro. The forward left Chelsea’s Europa League tilt with PAOK on Thursday with a shoulder injury.
Player to Watch
The Chelsea player that seems to be enjoying playing for Sarri the most is Eden Hazard. Hazard is fresh off a fantastic World Cup for Belgium, and the selection of Sarri as the head coach was somewhat to placate him. He was rumored to be on his way toward Real Madrid after the World Cup, but he is now the Premier League’s leading goal scorer through five games. He has been freed up in Sarri’s system, and Chelsea are once again fun to watch.
Prop Bet of the Game – Chelsea to win to nil +172
This is something of a speculative bet as Arnautovic’s status will affect this line significantly. He means a lot to the Hammers as the team’s primary scorer, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he will miss this match.
Chelsea are playing more wide-open football, but the Blues have secured clean sheets in two of their three matches. At this price, this is worth a gamble.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Hammers are going to be hard-pressed to pick up a result with Chicharito and Arnautovic both limited. Chelsea will control possession, and Hazard will pick apart the defense with his precision passing. I expect the Blues to win by multiple goals here.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 2, West Ham 0
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