Saturday 9 December 2017 11:57, UK
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."
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.
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.
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)
Chelsea are Sky Bet's 1/2 favourites for the victory with West Ham up against odds of 6/1 while the draw is priced at 10/3. Alvaro Morata heads the first goalscorer betting at 3/1 while Eden Hazard is enhanced from 4/1 to 5/1 in Sky Bet's Price Boosts. Andy Carroll are Javier Hernandez are considered the hosts' main threats at 17/2 apiece.
