West Ham United are currently 11th on the Premier League table – just five points away from that elusive seventh spot.
But they could very well drift further way given on Monday they will take on Chelsea away from home.
The Hammers have just won two out of their past five games and their away form has been terrible this season. So in order to pick up anything from Monday’s encounter, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will have to dig deep.
West Ham news vs Chelsea FC:
Manuel Pellegrini had to make a number of changes vs Everton due to injuries but if reports are to be believed then a few of those injured players could return on Monday.
Felipe Anderson picked up a knock with Brazil but the forward is expected to start on the left flank vs the Blues which means Manuel Lanzini will get back to playing in his favoured role.
Marko Arnautovic is currently recovering from a knee injury and there are doubts whether the Austrian will make it to the matchday squad. If that does not happen then Javier Hernandez will play as the lone striker up front.
Mark Noble also missed the Everton game but on Monday the Hammers captain will replace Pedro Obiang in central midfield.
Samir Nasri should also be fully fit before Monday but given that Lanzini is back we do not expect the Frenchman to start the clash vs Chelsea.
But he could come on as a second-half substitute.
Snodgrass is expected to drop back to the bench and Michael Antonio will start on the right flank.
West Ham news: Hammers predicted XI
First XI:Â Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Declan Rice, Mark Noble, Michael Antonio, Manuel Lanzini, Felipe Anderson, Javier Hernandez.
Read: West Ham United could receive a triple injury boost before they visit Stamford Bridge.
Read: 4-3-3 Chelsea’s predicted line up vs West Ham.
