Chelsea face a relegation threatened West Ham United team as the two sides kick-off proceedings for Matchweek 23.
The struggling Blues desperately need a win but so do the floundering Hammers with the two sides sitting in the 9th and 17th place respectively.
Chelsea broke the bank in the January window, bringing in a host of superstars to bolster the team leaving Graham Potter with little in terms of excuses should the alarming drop down the table continue.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Raheem Sterling (knee) is a doubt for tomorrow after a “kick in training”. Wesley Fofana, Denis Zakaria & Mateo Kovacic have all returned to training but the game against West Ham will come too soon.
Joao Felix is available after serving his suspension.
Armando Broja (ACL), Christian Pulisic (knee), Mateo Kovacic (calf), Edouard Mendy (finger) and N’Golo Kante (hamstring) remain out for the Blues.
PREDICTED CHELSEA LINEUP vs WEST HAM UNITED
DEFENCE
Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal. The custodian has been in decent form in recent games with Chelsea’s main troubles coming in front of the opposition goal.
Reece James has been having an injury disrupted season till now, but he will be keen for regular minutes now and is primed for a start in the Chelsea lineup on the right hand side of the defence.
Thiago Silva is a shoo-in with the each game becoming increasingly crucial for the Blues’ quest for a top four finish.
He is likely to be partnered by Benoit Badiashile and the duo will be tasked with dealing with a physical West Ham team, especially during set-pieces.
Ben Chilwell should start as the left-back in the Chelsea lineup Marc Cucurella failing to get a run of form going.
MIDFIELD
We expect to see Potter select a three-man midfield.
Conor Gallagher is likely to start on the right in the Chelsea lineup with Mason Mount being stationed on the opposite side.
The duo has been lacklustre in recent times and have bore the brunt of the criticism coming from fans who demand more inventiveness from the two.
Record new signing Enzo Fernandez will take up the role in the centre of the midfield and a lot of responsibility rests on his shoulders as well.
ATTACK
Hakim Ziyech, who nearly had his foot out of the exit door in January, will likely start on the right-flank in the Chelsea lineup.
On the other side, we expect to see exciting new signing Mykhailo Mudryk start. He has had an inconsistent start to life in England and will look to put in a better display against the Hammers.
Chelsea’s search for an out and out number 9 will continue into the summer transfer window, which means that for now, Kai Havertz will have to hold down the fort through the middle of the front three of the Chelsea lineup.
