There are two upcoming Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches this weekend, featuring our Clubs in different halves of the Premier League (PL) table. On Sunday 11 February 2024 it is West Ham United v Arsenal, and the Monday Match is Crystal Palace v Chelsea on 12 February. All the Clubs need points albeit for different reasons.
West Ham United have only won this fixture once, in the 2018-19 season, with 3 draws and 3 away wins in the last 7 seasons. The Hammers lost 0-3 away to Manchester United at the weekend, with whom they swapped places in the PL being 7th now with 36 points from 23 games played. The Gunners in contrast overcame league leaders Liverpool (51 from 23) 3-1 in an impressive home performance. They remain 3rd (49 from 23) behind Manchester City on goal difference (49 from 22) who have a game in hand on the leaders. Expect Arsenal not to lose this one again.
It seems strange to talk of Chelsea as being in the lower half of the PL but they are 11th with 31 points from their 23 games. They suffered an humiliating home defeat 2-4 against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend which brought cries of “bring back Mourinho” from exasperated fans. Their anger was assuaged a little by The Blues’ 3-1 away win in their FA Cup 4th Round replay at Aston Villa mid-week. The old saying used to be “Whoever beats Aston Villa wins The FA Cup”, but we shall see on that one.
Crystal Palace also had 4 goals scored against them losing 4-1 at Brighton and Hove Albion. They remain in 14th place with 24 points from now 23 games. Their Manager Roy Hodgson came in for criticism again. This fixture has given only one home win and six away wins in the last 7 seasons. Expect more home fan anger, but Chelsea are weak and unpredictable.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.