The ball rolls this Friday, August 22, 2025, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), at the London Olympic Stadium, for the West Ham vs Chelsea match, valid for the second round of the Premier League 2025/26. After winless debuts, both London clubs seek their first three points in a derby promising excitement. West Ham, led by Graham Potter, aims to recover from a heavy loss to Sunderland, while Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, wants to turn their goalless draw against Crystal Palace into a positive result. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, with Michael Oliver officiating. The historic rivalry and tactical changes from both teams heighten expectations for the clash in the English capital.
The Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 fans, is expected to host a vibrant crowd, especially after West Ham’s defeat in their opener. Pressure mounts on Potter, while Maresca faces the challenge of fine-tuning Chelsea’s attack, which failed to score in the first round. The match offers both teams a chance to show improvement.
- Recent history: Chelsea won the last three head-to-heads, including a 2-1 in February 2025.
- Key absences: West Ham will miss Luis Guilherme and Summerville; Chelsea have five confirmed absentees.
- Players to watch: Jarrod Bowen for West Ham and Cole Palmer for Chelsea are the main goal hopes.
Tactical setup and coaches’ strategies
West Ham is likely to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity after their vulnerability against Sunderland. Graham Potter, who took charge in January 2025, faces criticism for the team’s inconsistency, with only two wins in their last 12 Premier League games. The probable lineup includes Mads Hermansen in goal, with Max Kilman, Nayef Aguerd, and Jean-Clair Todibo forming the back three. In midfield, Guido Rodríguez and James Ward-Prowse aim to provide balance, while Lucas Paquetá will have freedom to create for Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen up top.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1, with Robert Sánchez in goal and a defense led by Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah. The absence of Levi Colwill, injured, and doubts over Tosin Adarabioyo force adjustments in defense. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández look to control the game, while Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens support striker João Pedro. The lack of goals in the opener raises questions about the Blues’ attacking efficiency.
- West Ham’s focus: Regain defensive confidence after conceding three goals in their debut.
- Chelsea’s strategy: Exploit the speed of Pedro Neto and Bynoe-Gittens on the wings.
- Critical point: Both teams’ ability to convert chances into goals.
- Tactical tweaks: Potter may reinforce the midfield, while Maresca considers starting Estêvão.
East v West at London Stadium 🏠
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 22, 2025
COYI ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/8EdkrvnCqR
Head-to-head history and London rivalry
West Ham and Chelsea have faced off 108 times in the Premier League, with Chelsea winning 47, West Ham 39, and 22 draws. In recent years, Chelsea have dominated, winning the last three encounters, including a 3-0 at the Olympic Stadium last season. However, West Ham has a favorable home record, with Chelsea failing to win consecutive games there in 11 years. This stat fuels hope among Hammers fans, who see the derby as a chance to turn things around.
The rivalry is marked by intense moments. In August 2023, West Ham won 3-1 at home, with goals from Nayef Aguerd, Michail Antonio, and Lucas Paquetá, showing their upset potential. Fans hope Jarrod Bowen, who scored against Chelsea in February 2025, can deliver again.
- West Ham’s biggest recent win: 3-1 in August 2023 at home.
- Chelsea’s standout: Nicolas Jackson scored three goals against West Ham in 2024/25 but is absent.
- Memorable match: A 2-2 draw in 2006, with two goals from Frank Lampard for Chelsea.
Recent form and pressure on managers
West Ham’s Premier League 2025/26 debut was disastrous. A 3-0 loss to Sunderland exposed defensive frailties and a lack of attacking creativity, with zero shots on target. Graham Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui earlier this year, faces growing pressure. Vice-president Karren Brady voiced support, but fans demand immediate results after a 14th-place finish in 2024/25.
Chelsea, meanwhile, is in a rebuilding phase. After winning the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025, the Blues finished fourth last season but disappointed with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace in their opener. Enzo Maresca, who brought in signings like Liam Delap and João Pedro, needs to find attacking balance after a lackluster first round.
- West Ham at home: Just one win in their last eight Olympic Stadium games.
- Chelsea away: Two wins in 11 away Premier League games last season.
- West Ham pressure: Potter has won only five of 18 games since taking over.
- Chelsea stats: Three games without conceding in the Premier League.
Fan expectations and match atmosphere
The Olympic Stadium promises an electric atmosphere, with tickets starting at €75 for the category AA clash due to the rivalry. VIP packages, like the Arnold Hills, offer premium experiences from £939, including access to former players and exclusive areas. West Ham’s passionate fans are expected to push the team but demand a response after the opening loss.
For Chelsea, expectations rest on players like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto to replicate their pre-season form. Estêvão’s debut, with six dribbles in 36 minutes against Crystal Palace, excited fans, who hope for more minutes from the young Brazilian. The derby also marks Graham Potter’s reunion with Chelsea, his former club, adding extra spice.
- Fan support: West Ham expects a full house to pressure Chelsea.
- Players in focus: Estêvão and Paquetá could be decisive with individual brilliance.
- Personal rivalry: Potter has never beaten Chelsea as a manager.
- London weather: Forecast of 18°C and partly cloudy skies, ideal for the match.
Refereeing and live broadcast
Michael Oliver, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, will officiate. Having refereed two FA Cup finals and the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, he brings authority to the derby. Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring are the assistants, with Jarred Gillett on VAR. In Brazil, ESPN (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming) will broadcast the game live, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Both teams are also focused on safety. West Ham has strengthened measures against discriminatory chants, introducing a text-message reporting system. The club remains committed to equality, holding the Premier League’s advanced diversity standard.
- Experienced referee: Michael Oliver has officiated 39 Champions League games.
- Accessible broadcast: ESPN and Disney+ cover the match for Brazilian viewers.
- Enhanced security: West Ham offers a text-based incident reporting line.
