Sat 23 Nov 2013 17:30 –  West Ham v Chelsea (Boleyn Ground)

Referee: Chris Foy

Chelsea will start this game as favourites but a closer look reveals that they have won just one game away from home all season. They recently scraped a win at home to West Brom courtesy of a generous refereeing decision and lost away to Newcastle in the game before that. To balance things out, West Ham have an equally poor home record and have enjoyed just one victory on their own turf.

One of Chelsea’s problems has been scoring away from home and they only manage an average of 0.8 goals per game. West Ham may give them a hand as they concede an average of 1.4 goals per game at home but only manage to score an average of one. The under10.5 corner market looks good with 100% of West Ham’s home games and 60% of Chelsea’s away games producing this outcome.

West Ham have struggled with a long injury list this season but are hoping to have Collins and O’Brien back subject to late fitness tests. Ashley Cole is still out for Chelsea but Fernando Torres could return.

Chelsea have failed to live up to expectations so far this season and there is little value in backing them on current form when priced so short. West Ham have played in a few goalless draws already this season and another 0-0 stalemate could be on the cards this weekend. However, with both teams conceding an average of around a goal a game then the 1-1 draw looks like the best bet. There is also a very good possibility of fewer than 2.5 goals in this game and the under 10.5 corners market will be well worth exploring.

Match Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea