Chelsea vs West Ham prediction: Will Maurizio Sarri's side seize chance to take control in race for top four?

The Blues can jump up to third with victory against their London rivals ahead of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday

Chelsea host West Ham with a chance to move up to third in the table in the evolving race for a top four place.

The Blues' dramatic win over Cardiff was followed up by three more points against Brighton.

And after Arsenal's defeat to Everton, the Blues are now just outside a Champions League place on goal difference.

Victory, having played a game more, would move them two points ahead of Tottenham, three clear of the Gunners and five ahead of Manchester United.

West Ham on the other hand have lost two of their last three games and not won away in 2019.

Prediction

Chelsea have won four of their last five at home, while West Ham have lost five of their last six away from home.

With competition for places fierce and the Europa League quarter-final against Slavia Prague on Thursday, Maurizio Sarri's line-up could be a surprise.

The Hammers have kept it tight in recent meetings between the sides, with just three goals in the last three London derbies. Expect this to be similar but the Blues to edge it 1-0 to take a big step towards claiming a top four place.

Eden Hazard is in fine form (Getty)

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, David Luiz, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho, Barkley; Hudson-Odoi, Giroud, Hazard

West Ham: Fabianski; Zabaleta, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble, Lanzini, Rice; Antonio, Arnautovic, Felipe Anderson

Where can I watch it?

You can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League, coverage for both channels begins at 7pm. 

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What time does it start?

The match at Stamford Bridge will start at 8pm. 

Odds

Chelsea 3/10 

Draw 17/4

West Ham 17/2