Chelsea have been backed to come out victorious at the end of their London Derby clash with hosts West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend. West Ham United and Chelsea are in the thick of the race for Champions League football and the two teams meet at the London Stadium in a crucial game that could decide the destination of Champions League football next season.
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted the outcome of the London Derby encounter between the Hammers and Chelsea. According to the ex-Liverpool defender, the Hammers would lose 2-0 at home to Chelsea.
West Ham United have punched above their weight in the Premier League this season from fighting to survive the drop last season to battling with more illustrious teams like Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea for a seat at the table of the best clubs in European football via the Champions League next season. The Hammers have come a long way within a short time under manager David Moyes.
The Hammers still have their destiny in their hands as far as qualification for Champions League football next season is concerned. They are in fifth place and just away from Chelsea in fourth place on goal difference. The battling 3-2 defeat away to rejuvenated Newcastle United last weekend ensured that they lost fourth place to Chelsea after their London rivals played out a goalless draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The quest to qualify for the Champions League is still in their hands. West Ham will qualify for Europe’s premier club competition if they win all their remaining games in the league including the London Derby clash with the Blues on Saturday.