Soccer Premier League

5 Bold Predictions For West Ham United vs. Chelsea In EPL Week 28

5 Bold Predictions For West Ham United vs. Chelsea In EPL Week 28

West Ham players argue with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic
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After their Capital One Cup final triumph on Sunday, Chelsea turn their attention back to Premier League matters with a game against West Ham United on Wednesday. The Hammers have not won a game since Jan. 18 and are in severe danger of seeing their early season form go to waste in the second half of the season. Here are five bold predictions ahead of this week 28 EPL clash.

5. Both Teams Will Score From A Set-Piece

West Ham players celebrate scoring a goal
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5. Both Teams Will Score From A Set-Piece

West Ham players celebrate scoring a goal
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Chelsea and West Ham are both dangerous from set-pieces in and around the oppositions 18-yard box, and they will need to be wary of each other's threat in this game. Both teams will manage to convert that threat into a goal, however, with both teams scoring a goal from a set-piece play.

4. Standout Game For Stewart Downing

West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing
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4. Standout Game For Stewart Downing

West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing
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Nemanja Matic will continue his suspension in this game, and the biggest beneficiary of that will be Stewart Downing. The Hammers' midfielder has enjoyed a productive season at Upton park this year, and another impressive performance will come in this game. There is always space behind Chelsea's midfield, but Matic usually covers the issue up pretty well. Without the Matic, though, the weakness is magnified and Downing will take full advantage.

3. John Terry Scores A Goal

John Terry celebrates scoring a goal for Chelsea
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3. John Terry Scores A Goal

John Terry celebrates scoring a goal for Chelsea
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Reports this week suggest that John Terry is about to sign a new contract that will see him stay at Chelsea for at least one more year, after impressing this season at the heart of the Chelsea defense. Terry scored a goal against the Hammers back in December, and he will do so again this time and celebrate his new contract in style.

2. West Ham Will Miss A Penalty

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce
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2. West Ham Will Miss A Penalty

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce
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With Andy Carroll unavailable through injury, Sam Allardyce will utilize Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia as partnership in attack. Sakho and Valencia are both mobile strikers, and their movement should cause Chelsea more problems than the more physical style of Carroll would have done. One of the two will earn their team a penalty at some stage for a foul inside the box, but the home team will waste their golden chance by missing the spot kick.

1. 1-1 Draw

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
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1. 1-1 Draw

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
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Chelsea have had a taxing few days with their Capital One Cup escapades at Wembley Stadium, and Manchester City's loss to Liverpool has also now relieved the pressure somewhat on the league leaders. Mourinho's men will seem a little subdued throughout this game, and West Ham will capitalize to earn themselves a hard-fought draw.

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