Chelsea take on West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend and this is a really important game in terms of which team plays in the Champions League next season.
The Blues are currently the fourth team on the table after drawing their previous match against Brighton and Hove Albion. But the Hammers happen to be tied on points with their London rivals with Chelsea above them only on goal difference.
So if Chelsea cannot secure a win this weekend then they will fall out of the top-four and if teams like Spurs and Liverpool win their respective games, then Thomas Tuchel’s side could even drop to the seventh spot on the table.
Tuchel has a fully fit squad to choose from and he has only one injury doubt going into this game. But it is the Hammers’ form that will be the real cause of concern for the Chelsea manager. Chelsea might be undefeated in 12 of their last 13 matches in the Premier League, but David Moyes’ side have been brilliant at home.
Chelsea team news vs West Ham United:
Kepa Arrizabalaga got a rare start against Brighton but we expect Edouard Mendy to return in front of goal against West Ham United.
Thiago Silva was rested vs the Seagulls with Kurt Zouma partnering Rudiger and Azpilicueta in central defence. But this weekend, Silva should be returning to the starting line-up.
Reece James has played as the right wing-back against Man City as well as Brighton so it’s safe to say that Tuchel will be resting him on Saturday. Callum Hudson-Odoi will be coming back into the side.
Mateo Kovacic remains sidelined with a thigh injury and he is not likely to be fit to face the Hammers. Mason Mount played in central midfield alongside Jorginho in their last match but Kante should be returning to the side this time around.
Kante’s inclusion will see Mason Mount move further up the pitch, partnering with Timo Werner. Christian Pulisic has also found his form over the past few weeks so there’s an equal chance that the Chelsea manager chooses the American international over Werner on Saturday.
Kai Havertz currently seems to be the man who is playing as the centre-forward and the summer signing should be reprising the same role against West Ham United as well. This means both Giroud and Tammy Abraham should be watching from the bench.
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs West Ham:
Predicted Starting XI: Edouard Mendy; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Thiago Silva; Jorginho, Kante, Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell; Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz.
Stats via Whoscored.
