Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January.
Chelsea and West Ham go head-to-head on matchday five of the Premier League at London Stadium on Saturday, 21st September at 12:30 UK time. The Blues will look to follow up on their win from last weekend against Bournemouth against a side that has made some major signings this summer but remains with only one name to its name so far.
Enzo Maresca’s men have had a full week’s rest since their last outing, as have West Ham. The London rivals did not have any midweek commitments in the EFL Cup or the Champions League and resultant to that, will be expected to deliver a high octane clash when they face off on Saturday afternoon.
West Ham come into the game placed 14th in the Premier League with just one win so far. Last weekend, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham and a fourth winless result in five matches after a productive transfer window will start to mount pressure on Julen Lopetegui.
The former Real Madrid coach has a fully fit squad although Niklas Fullkrug’s participation remains doubtful as a result of a calf injury. Their top goal contributor so far in the season is Jarrod Bowen, who has one goal and an assist so far. He will be available and is likely to be the home side’s danger man going forward.
No major changes will be expected to the West Ham team as Lopetegui continues to find a tactical solution in a team that has several new faces.
PREDICTED WEST HAM XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Emerson, Kilman, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka; Alvarez, Rodriguez; Kudus, Soucek, Bowen; Antonio
Chelsea have no suspensions on their visit to West Ham but a long list of injury is something Maresca will have to contend with. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is doubtful having been ill during the week, however, Malo Gusto, Omari Kellyman, Reece James and Romeo Lavia are expected to miss out owing to injuries which are going to keep them out until the end of September at the very least.
Enzo Fernandez missed last weekend’s clash against Bournemouth and is expected to return after recovering from his illness. He could be set to replace Renato Veiga in midfield while Pedro Neto could be sacrificed from the left flank to make room for Jadon Sancho or Joao Felix. The Englishman will most likely be favoured to start over the Portuguese after his man-of-the-match display last weekend.
Nicolas Jackson would also be expected to retain his place in the starting eleven in spite of Christopher Nkunku’s winner against Bournemouth with the former RB Leipzig forward likely to get the nod in the Carabao Cup midweek instead.
PREDICTED CHELSEA XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
It goes without saying that Chelsea are going to be the favourites to beat West Ham and after an inspirational display off the bench last weekend, Jadon Sancho could be their creative outlet against the Hammers on Saturday right from the word go.
The Englishman will be up against his compatriot from the left wing as well as a former Manchester United teammate. How he squares up versus the former Crystal Palace full back will go a long way in determining how much of a threat the Blues possess offensively.
West Ham have averaged a goal per game in the Premier League this season and against a Chelsea backline that still needs some oiling, they will possibly get a goal. However, the Blues’ attacking strength will prove too much for the Hammers.
Chelsea will pick up all three points but it will be a hard-earned win for them, as was the case against Bournemouth a week ago.
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