Michael Owen has predicted that West Ham United will lose when they travel to face Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
The former Liverpool forward shared that he believes Frank Lampard’s side will win by two or more goals at Stamford Bridge, given the Hammers recent form in the Premier League.
Owen did comment on how the home side’s 2-2 draw against Valencia on Wednesday evening could affect them, and that the potential injury picked up by Tammy Abraham could have a say on the final result.
“West Ham have picked up just two points from the last 21 available and I would be surprised if Manuel Pellegrini’s side took anything from their London derby at Stamford Bridge,” he wrote on his BetVictor blog.
“The Blues were involved in an extraordinary game at Valencia on Wednesday and let’s hope the injury picked up by Tammy Abraham in the Mestalla is not as bad as it looked at first glance.”
West Ham haven’t picked up all three points at Stamford Bridge in 17 years, with their last win away against their London rivals coming in 2002.
OPINION
Given the Hammers’ recent form in the Premier League, it is no surprise to see that Owen has backed Chelsea to pick up all three points in the London derby. Having said that, West Ham must be desperate to finally win a game, and that will make them a dangerous opponent, who really don’t have much to lose on Saturday. The fact that Chelsea had to travel to Spain in midweek could have tired them out slightly, and that is another reason as to why the Irons could have a slight upper hand. Abraham has been in great form this season in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals already, the best return of his career in the top flight. For him to be missing would be a great advantage, and the Hammers certainly need every bit of luck they can get to try and end that dreadful 17-year run in the top flight.
