With the year end fast approaching there are two more Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches to come. On Wednesday 27 December 2023 it’s Chelsea v Crystal Palace, and on Thursday 28 December 2023 we finish the year with Arsenal v West Ham United.
Crystal Palace have to go back to 2016-17 season for their last win in this fixture, with Chelsea recording straight wins in the last 6 seasons! The Eagles got a good point at Premier League (PL) Champions Manchester City last week but have generally lost form and are 15th with 17 points. The Blues are up the table to 10th but 6 points off a European place. Their EFL semi-final v Middlesborough could be a lifeline. Expect a Chelsea win in this PLDs match.
Likewise Arsenal v West Ham United has been a Pools home banker for the last 7 seasons with a Gunners’ win in every season since 2016-17! West Ham United are in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League after a 2-0 home win v Freiburg on 14 December 2023. That was followed by a good PL home win v Wolves to steady their ship but expect an Arsenal win.
Arsenal are back on top of the PL again with 39 points from 17 matches, one point ahead of Liverpool. The Reds of Liverpool will be Fulham’s opponents in the other EFL Cup semi-final. That was their reward for beating Everton, the blue half of Liverpool, away on penalties in the quarter finals. There could potentially be a West London derby EFL Cup Final, or will Mauricio Pochettino be facing a Liverpool side again in another Cup Final in 2024?
Until next time enjoy your Christmas, and “Keep Safe”, Andrew at PLDs.