Chelsea are patiently waiting for Monday night to come around before they return to action with a London derby against West Ham.
The Blues host West Ham on Monday evening at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Incidentally, it’s also the final day of the January transfer window, so perhaps there will be some drama on and off the pitch.
It’s felt like a long wait for the team to play again since last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat away to Manchester City. There’s no doubt that Enzo Maresca desperately needs a positive result from his side in a couple of days time because it’s just one win in their last seven league games.
Thankfully, Chelsea boss Maresca provided a positive injury update ahead of West Ham because there’s no fresh issues.
Chelsea predicted XI vs West Ham
Here is a look at the Chelsea line-up we’re predicting to see at home to West Ham on Monday…
The first of two changes that Maresca could make to his team is in-between the sticks, where number one goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is dropped and loses his starting position. We think that Filip Jorgensen will get the nod to start as he’s been patiently waiting for more opportunities.
Maresca admitted in Friday’s pre-match press conference that he’s “not yet” decided who will start in goal against West Ham, as quoted by Football.London. It certainly feels like a clear indicator that he’s mulling over the decision and a swap may come.
Jason Cundy insists Chelsea need to drop keeper Sanchez because the individual errors are stacking up.
Chelsea captain Reece James starts again at right-back in the predicted XI, but don’t be surprised if he’s substituted off at some stage as the team continues to be cautious with his fitness.
Yet again, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill could start again at centre-back as they look to grow this new defensive partnership.
Marc Cucurella, who’s so consistent this season, completes the back four at left-back.
Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia start again as combination in central midfield. Incidentally, Maresca is worried about overplaying Caicedo and Lavia, but he’s short of options right now in the centre of the pitch.
Noni Madueke continues again on the right wing after scoring his eighth goal of the season across all competitions versus Man City.
The second change could see Pedro Neto recalled to the side on the left wing at the expense of Jadon Sancho.
It’s then Cole Palmer in the No.10 position and Nicolas Jackson leading the line again as the centre-forward.
Chelsea XI
Jorgensen
James Chalobah Colwill Cucurella
Caicedo Fernandez
Madueke Palmer Neto
Jackson
IN: Filip Jorgensen, Pedro Neto
OUT: Robert Sanchez, Jadon Sancho
Chelsea vs West Ham record
It’s always an interesting fixture between Chelsea and West Ham. In particular, the intrigue in this next match up is that Hammers boss Graham Potter will be returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was sacked by the Blues.
Here is a look at the previous five meetings between the London rivals…
West Ham sit 14th in the division table right now and have their own struggles, so this feels like a must-win game for Chelsea.
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