After a chastening experience against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Chelsea will want to bounce back immediately when they take on another London club West Ham United. Like the Chelsea fans, the West Ham fans have criticized the club more often than not but they’ve perhaps taken it a step too far.
Chelsea were put to the sword by Dele Alli and co. last weekend and will want to put in a more controlled display. Against a West Ham side who are struggling at the moment, that shouldn’t be too hard.
While the Blues had a few good moments against Tottenham, they simply couldn’t deal with the counter which shows how far the side has fallen from last season. The duo of Fabregas and Kante simply haven’t worked together like Kante and Matic did and that has left them bereft of the solidity in midfield.
While Bakayoko had a promising start, he has been exposed far too often this season which isn’t a good sign. The defence has also missed someone authoritative as the young Christensen has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t been consistent enough.
Nevertheless, they are expected to ease past West Ham. The Hammers shocked Chelsea in their last game with a goal from Marko Arnautovic but Conte’s side will be out for revenge. West Ham have lost four out of their last six games and are dangerously close to the relegation spot. The win against Southampton last time out raised the spirits, but against a quality side like Chelsea, it might not all be rosy.
Here is how the home side might line up for the clash-
Defence
Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois is in line to return after missing last weekend’s thumping win against Spurs. He could be supported by the trio of Azpilicueta, Christensen and Cahill in a back three.
Midfield
Kante and Fabregas are expected to continue in midfield. Marcos Alonso was confident going forward against Spurs but let his team down at times defensively. He will look to hit the right balance against the Hammers. Victor Moses is the usual suspect on the right.
Attack
In attack, Hazard and Willian will be given the nod once again. Morata started the last game and scored, but he could be given a rest for Giroud who has shown signs of good understanding with the players behind him. The Frenchman hasn’t been given enough game time and needs a few starts to silence his critics.