Chris Sutton predicts result of Chelsea v West Ham United Premier League clash
Chris Sutton has made his prediction ahead of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 5 May.
The Blues claimed a vital 2-0 win over Tottenham on Thursday 2 May to keep their hopes of European football alive, while the Hammers earned a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last time out as David Moyes looks to earn European qualification for a fourth consecutive season.
And while making his predictions for BBC Sport (2 May), Sutton admitted that despite Moyes’ future being handled badly the Irons are in poor form and backed Mauricio Pochettino’s side to “edge” a win and end West Ham hopes of continental football next season.
“I don’t think Moyes has got enough credit for the overall job he has done at the Hammers, but with only one win in their past eight league games, their current form is not great,” he said.
“This is Chelsea’s second London derby of the week, and another big game for them in the battle for sixth and seventh spot. It is going to be close, but I fancy them to edge it. Chelsea 2-1 West Ham.”
West Ham United players fighting for their future
The decision on the future of the manager may not be official just yet, but it has seemingly been made and he is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer when his contract expires.
But there are also going to be big decisions made on the future of the playing squad, with no European football likely to see several players targeted by other clubs and at least five exits expected.
However, there are also some players like Vladimir Coufal whose contract situation means it could go either way as to where he is playing next season and he is among several fighting to prove themselves worthy.
European football now looks highly unlikely next season, but there is still pride to play for and a London derby against a massively inconsistent Chelsea side provides an opportunity to give fans something to smile about.
West Ham know how big a win over a rival can be and if that isn’t motivation enough for them to turn up, then fighting for their future at the club should be.
In other West Ham news, one senior figure has been banned from the dressing room and Rush Green.
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