West Ham and Chelsea will face off this Friday, August 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Brasilia time), in the second round of the Premier League at the Olympic Stadium in London, England. The match, set to ignite the English capital with a classic London derby, will be broadcast live on ESPN on pay TV and on the Disney+ streaming service. After disappointing starts for both teams, the clash takes on an air of redemption, with the Hammers aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat in the opening round and the Blues chasing their first win of the season. Under Graham Potter’s leadership, West Ham faces pressure after an unstable start, while Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, relies on its new generation of talents to overcome a goalless draw in their debut. Refereed by Michael Oliver, the game will take place at the Olympic Stadium, the stage for a matchup blending local rivalry and differing ambitions in the standings.
West Ham comes into the match after a crushing 3-0 loss to newly promoted Sunderland in the Premier League 2025/26 opener. The defeat placed the Hammers in the relegation zone, increasing scrutiny on manager Graham Potter, who took charge in January 2025 and is still working to establish his playing philosophy. Despite the setback, the London side counts on the support of their home fans at the Olympic Stadium to turn things around.
Chelsea, on the other hand, drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, in a match where the Blues dominated but struggled with their finishing. The debut of young talents like Estêvão, formerly of Palmeiras, and the presence of Brazilians João Pedro and Andrey Santos marked the game, but they couldn’t break through the visitors’ defense. With high-profile signings like Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, Maresca’s team is seen as a contender for the top spots.
- Key points of the matchup:
- West Ham seeks their first win after a loss in the opener.
- Chelsea aims to solidify a new phase with young talents.
- The London derby is steeped in historic rivalry.
Rivalry’s history heats up the clash
The West Ham vs. Chelsea matchup carries a rich history in the Premier League, with the Blues holding the edge in the head-to-head record. Since 1992, the teams have met 124 times, with Chelsea winning 57, West Ham 44, and 23 draws. In the last five encounters, the Blues won three, including a 2-1 victory in February 2025, with goals from Pedro Neto and an own goal by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, West Ham has been competitive at home, winning four of the last eight matches at the Olympic Stadium against their rivals.
Last season was challenging for the Hammers, who finished 14th and missed out on European competitions. The opening-round loss to Sunderland exposed defensive frailties and a lack of creativity in attack, with the team failing to register a single shot on goal. Potter, who previously managed Chelsea, faces the challenge of reorganizing the squad and regaining the fans’ confidence.
Chelsea, meanwhile, is in a rebuilding phase under Maresca. After winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup in July 2025, the Blues aim to reclaim prominence in the Premier League, where they haven’t won since 2016/17. The team invested in promising signings, but the lack of goals in the opener raises questions about the attack’s efficiency.
B R A Z I L 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/tqfO18VxJy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2025
Lineups and absences shape strategies
The probable lineups reveal how the managers plan to approach the game. For West Ham, Graham Potter is expected to make changes after the opening defeat. Tomáš Souček, who started on the bench against Sunderland, may return to the midfield, adding defensive solidity. The team relies on Lucas Paquetá’s creativity and the attacking prowess of Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Füllkrug to break down the opposition defense.
- West Ham’s probable lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Hermansen
- Defenders: Kilman, Aguerd, Todibo
- Midfielders: Diouf, Guido Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse, Wan-Bissaka, Paquetá
- Forwards: Füllkrug, Bowen
- Confirmed absences: Luis Guilherme and Crysencio Summerville.
- Doubt: George Earthy.
For Chelsea, Enzo Maresca is likely to rely on the pace of players like Pedro Neto and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, alongside Cole Palmer’s playmaking. Estêvão’s potential start is a highlight, after the Brazilian impressed with six dribbles against Crystal Palace. However, the team faces significant absences, including the suspended Nicolas Jackson and the injured Nkunku, Badiashile, Levi Colwill, and Lavia.
- Chelsea’s probable lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Sanchez
- Defenders: Cucurella, Chalobah, Acheampong, Reece James
- Midfielders: Enzo Fernández, Caicedo, Palmer
- Forwards: Bynoe-Gittens, Pedro Neto, João Pedro
- Confirmed absences: Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Lavia.
- Doubt: Tosin Adarabioyo.
Experienced refereeing in charge of the game
Michael Oliver, one of England’s most respected referees, will officiate the derby. At 40 years old, Oliver boasts an impressive resume, having officiated over 750 matches, including FA Cup and EFL Cup finals, the UEFA Super Cup, and games in World Cups and European Championships. He will be assisted by Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring, and Simon Hooper (fourth official), with Jarred Gillett on VAR. The refereeing team promises strict control in a match that could feature intensity and heated disputes.
Oliver’s track record in Premier League games suggests firm decision-making, especially in contentious moments. His presence is seen as a guarantee of control, but it also heightens expectations for a fiercely contested match, given the history of tense encounters between West Ham and Chelsea.
Expectations and pressure on the managers
Graham Potter faces a delicate moment at West Ham. After a promising pre-season with three wins in five friendlies, the heavy defeat in the opener reignited criticism about his ability to lead the club. Since taking over in January 2025, Potter has won only five of his first 18 Premier League games, putting his position under scrutiny. Facing Chelsea, his former club, is a chance to show progress but also a challenge, as he has never beaten the Blues as a manager.
Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, is under less pressure but faces high expectations. Chelsea’s fans hope the Italian manager, who led the club to European success, can translate that momentum into consistent league results. The lack of goals in the opener, however, raises concerns about the attack’s effectiveness away from home, where Chelsea have scored more than one goal in only one of their last 11 matches.
- Factors that could decide the game:
- Lucas Paquetá’s performance in creating chances for West Ham.
- Chelsea’s efficiency in converting opportunities created by Cole Palmer and Estêvão.
- The Blues’ defensive solidity, having kept clean sheets in their last three matches.
- The impact of absences on both teams’ strategies.
London derby and the weight of the Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Stadium, West Ham’s home since 2016, will host a clash that goes beyond the three points. For the Hammers, playing at home is a chance to rebuild the confidence of a fanbase shaken by the opening defeat. However, their recent home form is concerning, with just one win in their last eight Premier League matches at the stadium.
Chelsea, despite their historical advantage, struggles at the Olympic Stadium. The Blues have won only three of their last 10 away games against West Ham, making the matchup unpredictable. Their last victory at the venue, in September 2024, was hard-fought, and the team knows they’ll need focus to withstand the hostile atmosphere.
How to watch and engage with the match
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN on pay TV and Disney+ on streaming, with pre- and post-match coverage for fans to catch every detail. Additionally, the match will be available on digital platforms, with real-time updates on sites like SofaScore and Goal.com, offering detailed stats such as possession, shots on goal, and heatmaps.
Fans can also follow the clubs’ social media for exclusive content, including player interviews and tactical analysis. West Ham, for instance, released a 132-page official matchday program for the 2025/26 season, available for £4, featuring interviews, posters, and stats for supporters.
- Where to follow the match:
- TV: ESPN (pay TV).
- Streaming: Disney+ (subscription required).
- Live updates: SofaScore, Goal.com, ESPN.com.
- Social media: Official West Ham and Chelsea accounts.
Tickets and stadium experience
Tickets for the match vary in price depending on the category, starting at €75 for the Chelsea clash, classified as a Category AA game due to the rivalry. Purchases can be made directly on West Ham’s official website, with £5 discounts for club members. For a premium experience, the Olympic Stadium offers hospitality packages like the Arnold Hills (starting at £939), which include seats near the directors’ box and meet-and-greets with former players.
The atmosphere at the stadium is expected to be electric, with West Ham’s passionate fanbase known for unwavering support. The rivalry with Chelsea, one of London’s biggest clubs, adds an extra layer of excitement, making the match a highlight of the round.
