West Ham v Chelsea
Hammers boss makes one change to the team that lost 3-0 to Sunderland on the season opener.
One change to the team for West Ham v Chelsea
West Ham got off to something of a horror start in the Premier League, falling to a 3-0 humbling against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Now the Hammers face a much-improved Chelsea side, recently crowned Club World Champions, at the London Stadium on Friday night. Michael Oliver takes charge of a game Enzo Maresca will be desperate to win after his team’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter will be eager to show his old club what they’re missing — though at the moment, that isn’t much at all. For Chelsea, it seems to be a case of no Roman Abramovich, no problem, with the Blues continuing to spend heavily.
João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and others have all been added to their squad, while West Ham’s transfer activity has been… let’s say less ambitious.
Press Conference
Hammers boss Graham Potter was in tetchy mood as he addressed reporters before the game. Clearly the West Ham manager is feeling the pressure as he faces his former club and was asked more about his own future than the team itself. “I’m confident. Honestly, I am. I’m confident that we can do it. I have no doubt whatsoever about my ability, no doubt whatsoever. I have no doubt about the players and I have no doubt about the team that we’ll improve, no doubt.”
Team News
It’s more of the same for the Hammers. Crysencio Summerville remains unavailable, and there are unlikely to be any new midfield arrivals despite vice-chair Karren Brady claiming work is being done. Luis Guilherme has severe bruising on his orbital bone and won’t be available, though the injury is not thought to be long-term. The injury is expected to rule the Brazilian winger out until at least October.
Potter is likely to stick with a similar side to the one that lost at Sunderland, but Callum Marshall could return following his suspension.
Levi Colwill is still recovering from a knee injury and is out long-term. Benoit Badiashile is also out and Romeo Lavia has no date set on his return. Finally, former Hammers target Tosin Adarabioyo is a major doubt for the fixture at the London Stadium.
Luis Guilherme missed West Ham’s opener due to injury
Prediction
It’s hard to see anything other than a Chelsea win. While West Ham may show more resistance than they did at the Stadium of Light, Potter is likely to park the bus, the tank— and maybe a few Deliveroo mopeds too — to cope with Chelsea’s pace. In particular new signing Estevao was introduced in the second half by Enzo Maresca displaying impressive speed and skill whilst also being prepared to get stuck in and help teammates.
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Chelsea
Line-Up (Potter)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| CB | Todibo |
| CB | Kilman |
| CB | Aguerd |
| RWB | Wan-Bissaka |
| CDM | Soucek |
| CM | Ward-Prowse |
| CM | Paquetá |
| LWB | Diouf |
| CF | Bowen |
| CF | Füllkrug |
What I’d Do
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hermansen |
| RB | Wan-Bissaka |
| CB | Todibo |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| LB | Walker-Peters |
| CDM | Álvarez |
| CM | Potts |
| CAM | Paquetá |
| RW | Bowen |
| LW | Diouf |
| CF | Füllkrug |
Gonzo your choice of team for me is the right one! Mav should have the chance to show what he can do after Kilmans poor show last Saturday. No one should be undropable.
Definately go with your lineup Gonzo..and I agree about Hermansen in goal.
My worry is Mavropanos he always looks like he’s going to give a goal away.
I’d leave Aguerd with Todibo, but like the rest and formation
Notice the subtle differences there with positions. LWB & LW and Bowen CF & RW.
At this stage of the season and for our team development I would also play Jarrod Bowen on the right wing varying at inside right when demanded.
We need to allow Niclas Fullkrug the opportunity to see what he can do with service and support. It is not going to end well if Niclas is constantly supporting midfield and deferring to Jarrod each time the ball comes forward.
Nice spot Gonzo.
Gonzo
Much prefer your team and set up. The only change I would make is to bring in Areola as I believe he is the better shot stopper.
Hi Ted, thanks mate.
Yeah, I see your point and you are right. Was just worried that it might shatter the new lads confidence if he’s dropped after one game.
Thanks for reading mate