Chelsea welcome West Ham United on the weekend for their 32nd game of the Premier League campaign. The Blues are looking to bounce back from their shock defeat in the London derby at the hands of Arsenal. Moreover, they have repeatedly missed the chance to lock in the third place, and an eye will be on the same as well. Meanwhile, West Ham were dealt with a blow in their top four hopes after a draw against Burnley in their last game. The Hammers would be rooting for a win here too.
It was a bolt from the blue as Chelsea suffered a 4-2 defeat against Arsenal. However Thomas Tuchel’s men were architects of their own downfall with some bizarre defending. But the German would demand a rapid reaction, similar to one post the Bretford drubbing. Chelsea hammered Southampton 6-0 following their 4-1 embarrassing loss against the Bees. But West Ham United are no Southampton and Chelsea know it very well.
Chelsea Premier League form: W W L W L
West Ham were looking serious contenders of a top four place a month ago. However, a run of poor results now has them sitting 7th in the table, outside of any European spot. But Moyes’ men have not given up yet and will be looking to take advantage of Chelsea’s Arsenal defeat. West Ham United are capable of causing all sorts of problems to Chelsea, especially when European football is on the line.
West Ham Premier League form: W L W L D
Chelsea vs West Ham United: Team News
Blues’ team news
Thomas Tuchel has a host on injuries to deal with ahead of this game. Almost half a dozen players are unavailable for Chelsea against West Ham United. However, Chilwell is a long term absentee. Callum Hudson-Odoi is yet to recover from his back injury and continues to be on the sidelines. Kovacic is nursing an ankle injury ans miss this game as well.
Antonio Rudiger is joined by fellow center-back Andreas Christensen on the casualty list after sustaining a knock against Arsenal. As a result, Thiago Silva should start here after coming off the bench in the last game. Chalobah could partner him this time rather than Malang Sarr. Loftus-Cheek continues to impress and should start as well. Timo Werner scored a wonderful goal last time out and could continue to lead the offence.
Chelsea possible starting line-up:
Mendy; Reece James, Silva, Chalobah; Ziyech, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Havertz, Werner, Mount
The Hammers’ team news
David Moyes is in a fix here as except Craig Dawson, every other senior center-back is out and injured. Although Angelo Ogbonna’s season was over after he suffered a ligament tear. Issa Diop has now joined him after sustaining the same injury. Kurt Zouma is the latest casualty out with an ankle injury.
Moyes has no other option now to start Declan Rice as the center-back alongside Dawson. Though change of formation is on the way for West Ham United against Chelsea.
West Ham possible starting line-up:
Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Rice, Cresswell; Bowen, Fornals, Soucek, Lanzini, Benrahma; Antonio\
Our Prediction
Chelsea 1-1 West Ham United
It will be difficult for Chelsea to cope up with these many injuries in the team. Moreover, Tuchel’s players are not in their best morale, and are suffering from fatigue. Their engine N’Golo Kante seems to have lost his touch after an injury prone season. Star striker Lukaku was miserable as usual against Arsenal. West Ham United will fancy their chances, but being without three first-team defenders could hamper their hopes as well. Share of spoils in another London derby.
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