Chelsea have been on a roll since the 2019-20 season resumed and on Sunday they beat Leicester City to enter the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Next up, they move back into the Premier League as they take on West Ham United in a London Derby on Wednesday at the London Stadium.
The Blues are yet to lose a game since the resumption as a result of which, they are just one point behind Leicester City who are in the third spot. This means if Lampard’s men can pick up all three points in midweek they will get a chance to move into the third spot – if the Foxes were to lose to Everton on the same night.
Lampard does have a few injury concerns to deal with and the manager is also expected to rest some of his regular players but given his bench strength, Frank should not be too concerned.
Chelsea team news vs West Ham United:
Caballero started in goal vs Leicester on Sunday but Kepa Arrizabalaga will return to the starting lineup vs the Hammers in midweek.
Christensen has a minor hip problem and remains a doubt for the derby while Tomori is ruled out. This means Kurt Zouma and Ruidger will start in central defence.
Marcos Alonso will replace Emerson at left-back while Azpilicueta reprises his role at right-back, replacing young Reece James.
Jorginho is yet to feature after the resumption but the Italian will hopefully come into the side as Frank Lampard looks to rest some of his midfielders, particularly N’Golo Kante.
Ross Barkley and Kovacic both came off the bench on Sunday vs Leicester and then went on to make a real positive impact. Both of them are expected to keep their place in midweek.
Christian Pulisic came off the pitch on Sunday with a slight knock and there’s a big chance the manager might not risk him on Wednesday in which case Mason Mount will move upfront and play on the left flank.
With Callum Hudson-Odoi not exactly match-fit Lampard might opt to use Willian down the right flank once again.
Tammy Abraham played upfront for Chelsea during the FA Cup quarter-final but Oliver Giroud is expected to come into the side against West Ham United.
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs West Ham United:
Possible starting XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Rudiger, Zouma, Alonso, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Matteo Kovacic, Ross Barkley; Mason Mount, Willian/Pedro, Olivier Giroud.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
