Stamford Bridge hosts a high-stakes London derby as the hosts look to stabilize under Liam Rosenior. The home side enters following a mixed run under new management, while the visitors arrive fresh from a revitalizing 1-0 victory against Tottenham. Rosenior’s evolving tactical structure now meets Nuno Espírito Santo’s pragmatic, low-block counter-attacking system in a vital relegation-zone escape mission.
Chelsea vs West Ham United Match Details at a Glance
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match | Chelsea vs West Ham United |
| Venue | Stamford Bridge |
| Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Time | 11:30 PM (BDT) / 11:00 PM (INR) |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Click here to watch the Chelsea vs West Ham United live on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Injury News and Suspensions
Chelsea
The hosts are grappling with a defensive crisis. Levi Colwill remains sidelined until late April with a cruciate injury, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Malo Gusto face late fitness tests. Romeo Lavia is nearing a return from a thigh issue, but Mykhaylo Mudryk serves a suspension, leaving the attacking options thin.
West Ham United
Nuno Espírito Santo faces fewer selection headaches compared to his counterpart. Lucas Paquetá is a significant doubt with a nagging back injury that has hampered his consistency. Veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski also remains unavailable due to back trouble, though he is expected to return to training in late January.
Chelsea vs West Ham United Head-to-Head Records
| Matches Played | 125 |
| Chelsea Won | 58 |
| West Ham United Won | 44 |
| Tied | 23 |
| First-ever Fixture | October 1923 |
| Most-recent Fixture | August 22, 2025 |
Form Guide
Chelsea
The West Londoners are currently navigating a transitional phase following the January managerial switch to Liam Rosenior. While the squad still retains the technical “Positional Play” foundation laid by the previous regime, they are prioritizing defensive stability now. Key figures like Joao Pedro and Neto provide the creative spark, yet the team struggles with tactical rigidity and high-risk build-up play that often leaves their backline dangerously exposed.
West Ham United
Sitting precariously in eighteenth place, the Hammers have endured a difficult campaign marked by defensive fragility. However, a recent gritty victory against Spurs has injected some much-needed hope into the squad. Under Nuno, they have abandoned expansive football for a pragmatic, counter-attacking style. By utilizing the pace of Jarrod Bowen on transitions, they aim to compensate for an offensive output that remains among the league’s lowest.
Key Battles
Joao Pedro vs Jean-Clair Todibo
Based on the players available, a likely key duel involves Joao Pedro operating as the primary creative outlet. His ability to drift between lines and exploit half-spaces makes him a nightmare for static defenders. He thrives on quick interchanges, looking to unlock tight blocks with his exceptional vision and flair.
Jean-Clair Todibo must maintain absolute concentration to neutralize such movement. As the visitor’s defensive anchor, his recovery speed and physical presence are vital for Nuno’s low-block strategy. If he can disrupt Pedro’s rhythm early, the home side’s attacking patterns may become predictable and far easier to contain tonight.
Reece James vs Crysencio Summerville
Another fascinating matchup sees Reece James patrolling the right flank for the hosts. When fit, he is a dual-threat capable of delivering pinpoint crosses and stifling elite wingers. His leadership is crucial as the squad adapts to Rosenior’s instructions while trying to mend a historically leaky and disorganized defense.
Crysencio Summerville provides the explosive pace necessary to catch James out of position during transitions. His direct dribbling style forces defenders into uncomfortable decisions, often drawing fouls in dangerous areas. If Summerville wins this individual battle, the Hammers will find the direct route to goal they so desperately crave.
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Tactical Outlook
The hosts will likely dominate possession, attempting to stretch the pitch through Neto and Palmer. Rosenior is tasked with refining the previous manager’s structured approach into something more balanced. However, the risk lies in their commitment to building from the back. If the midfield duo of Caicedo and Fernández is bypassed, the makeshift defense remains vulnerable to quick, vertical counter-attacks.
Expect the visitors to sit deep in a compact formation, prioritizing defensive organization over aesthetic football. Nuno’s philosophy centers on “finding the balance” by saturating the middle and forcing play wide. By utilizing Bowen as a focal point, they will look to strike rapidly on the break, exploiting the space behind the home full-backs during those inevitable moments of transition.
Possible Playing Squad
Chelsea XI:
Sánchez (GK), James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernández, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Joao Pedro
West Ham United XI:
Areola (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Scarles, Bowen, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Pablo, Castellanos
Chelsea vs West Ham United Today’s Prediction
The home advantage at Stamford Bridge usually provides a psychological edge, yet the current tactical transition makes the hosts unpredictable. While they possess superior individual quality, the visitors’ newfound defensive resolve under Nuno suggests a tight affair. A cautious approach from both managers likely results in a cagey encounter.
Chelsea vs West Ham United Score Prediction
Chelsea 1–1 West Ham United; The hosts struggle to break a low block, while the Hammers’ counter-attack finds success through Bowen’s clinical movement during a late second-half transition.
FAQ: Premier League 2025/26
Who is the current manager of the home side?
Liam Rosenior was appointed as the permanent manager on January 8, 2026.
Where is this London derby being played?
The fixture will take place at Stamford Bridge in London.
Where can fans watch the match live?
The game is available for live streaming on the Sports Live Hub platform.
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