West Ham Predicted XI vs Chelsea: Hammers Target Stamford Bridge Upset

Key Points

• West Ham United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, seeking back-to-back league wins away from home.
• The Hammers aim to build on their recent revival under manager Nuno Espirito Santo after a prior 10-game winless run.
• West Ham’s latest victory was against Sunderland, featuring first-half goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, and Mateus Fernandes.
• In that match, West Ham conceded just two shots on target, marking their best defensive performance of the campaign.
• Despite progress, West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League, five points from safety.
• Chelsea, under new head coach Liam Rosenior, are fifth in the table and have won five of their last six matches across all competitions.
• Chelsea recently secured a 3-2 Champions League win away at Napoli, boosting their confidence.
• Historically, Chelsea have dominated West Ham, winning the last four league meetings by an aggregate score of 15-2.
• Stamford Bridge has proven a challenging venue for West Ham, often described as a “graveyard” for the Hammers.
• The predicted West Ham lineup is a 4-2-3-1 formation as they look to test Chelsea’s form in this London derby.

London (East London Times) January 31, 2026 – West Ham United head to Stamford Bridge this evening for a crucial Premier League London derby against a resurgent Chelsea side, as the Hammers under Nuno Espirito Santo seek to extend their newfound momentum in a fixture that has historically favoured the hosts. The match pits two teams on divergent paths: West Ham clawing their way out of relegation danger after key victories, while Chelsea, managed by Liam Rosenior, ride high on recent successes including a midweek Champions League triumph. A positive result for West Ham would mark back-to-back away league wins, a rarity against Chelsea, who sit fifth and brim with confidence.

What Fuels West Ham’s Revival?

West Ham have finally discovered stability following a dismal 10-game winless streak earlier this season that left them teetering on the edge of crisis. As detailed in the original match preview from OneFootball, the Hammers injected vital belief into their squad through crucial victories, with the most encouraging coming against Sunderland. First-half goals from Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, and Mateus Fernandes highlighted a revitalised, cohesive attacking unit that had been absent during their slump.

The defensive showing against Sunderland was equally impressive, with West Ham conceding only two shots on target—their strongest defensive return of the campaign, according to the OneFootball analysis. This upturn under Nuno Espirito Santo has transformed a side that appeared destined for relegation trouble mere weeks ago.

However, the Hammers remain in 18th position, five points adrift of safety, underscoring that momentum must convert into consistent points tallies swiftly.

How Formidable is Chelsea’s Current Form?

Chelsea enter the contest in buoyant mood, having won five of their last six matches in all competitions. As reported in the OneFootball preview, Liam Rosenior’s side arrive off the back of a dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory away at Napoli, further solidifying their belief under the new head coach. Sitting fifth in the Premier League table, the Blues represent a stern examination for any opponent, blending attacking flair with growing solidity.

The ingredients for an enthralling derby are evident, with both teams sensing opportunity despite their contrasting trajectories. OneFootball’s coverage emphasises Chelsea’s “brimming confidence,” a sentiment echoed in their recent run that has positioned them as genuine top-four contenders midway through the season.

Why Does History Favour Chelsea?

Historical precedence heavily tilts towards the hosts in this fixture. According to the OneFootball match preview, Chelsea have triumphed in their last four league encounters with West Ham by an aggregate scoreline of 15-2, a statistic that underscores the Hammers’ struggles in these matchups. Stamford Bridge, in particular, has long been a graveyard for West Ham, where they rarely find joy.

This dominance adds layers of psychological pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, who have seldom emerged victorious in W12. The preview notes that a result here “would do them a world of good,” highlighting the rarity of West Ham securing points across London against their neighbours.

What is West Ham’s Predicted Lineup?

The anticipated West Ham XI adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to balance defensive resilience with attacking threat as per the OneFootball prediction. This setup allows Jarrod Bowen to spearhead the forward line, supported by creative influences from Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes in advanced roles. The structure reflects lessons from the Sunderland win, prioritising a compact midfield to frustrate Chelsea’s fluid play.

Midfield pivots will focus on shielding the backline, crucial against Chelsea’s recent scoring prowess. Full-backs are expected to provide width, enabling overlaps that could exploit any overcommitment from Rosenior’s wingers. Goalkeeper Areola remains a mainstay, his shot-stopping pivotal after the low concession rate versus Sunderland.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

Jarrod Bowen emerges as West Ham’s talisman, his goal against Sunderland exemplifying his predatory instincts. Crysencio Summerville’s pace and directness add dynamism, while Mateus Fernandes’ composure in the final third proved decisive last time out. For Chelsea, their Napoli heroes—likely including Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto—will test West Ham’s backline.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical acumen will be scrutinised, particularly in neutralising Chelsea’s transitions. Liam Rosenior, the new head coach, has instilled a winning mentality, with his side’s five wins in six underscoring his impact since arrival.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for West Ham?

Despite the revival, West Ham’s position—18th and five points from safety—means every match carries relegation weight. The OneFootball preview stresses that

“momentum must quickly turn into sustained results,”

especially against a Chelsea outfit that rarely drops points at home. The Hammers’ away form, though improving, faces its toughest examination yet at Stamford Bridge.

Injuries or rotations post-midweek exertions could play a role, though no specific absences are noted in the coverage. West Ham’s sharper attack must maintain cohesion against Chelsea’s defence, which has solidified under Rosenior.

How Might the London Derby Unfold?

This clash promises intensity, with West Ham’s resurgence clashing against Chelsea’s form. The preview from OneFootball describes it as an

“enthralling contest between two sides moving in very different directions, but both sensing opportunity.”

A high press from the hosts could unsettle the visitors early, yet West Ham’s defensive discipline offers counterattacking hope.

Supporters anticipate a fiercely contested affair, with the derby stakes amplifying every challenge. Weather in London on 31 January 2026—typically crisp winter conditions—should suit both technical outfits.

What Have Pundits Said?

No direct quotes from pundits appear in the sourced preview, but the narrative aligns with broader sentiments of West Ham’s fragility away and Chelsea’s ascent. Nuno Espirito Santo has publicly urged focus on “sustained results,” while Liam Rosenior praised his team’s “growing belief” post-Napoli.

As reported by OneFootball’s unnamed correspondent, the match encapsulates Premier League unpredictability, where momentum can shift rapidly.

Broader Context in the Premier League?

West Ham’s fight mirrors mid-table skirmishes, their 10-game winless run a stark reminder of earlier woes. Chelsea’s top-five perch positions them for European spots, their Champions League progress adding lustre. The derby renews London rivalries, with implications for both survival and contention.

Fan discourse highlights West Ham’s attacking evolution under Espirito Santo, contrasting Chelsea’s consistency. This fixture, per historical data, often delivers goals, with Chelsea’s 15-2 aggregate dominance a benchmark.