Chelsea and West Ham United have produced some classic Premier League clashes down the years. This London derby is full of unpredictability and the Hammers’ double last season depicts how much this fixture matters to them despite being the underdogs. Frank Lampard’s men must step up the show after back to back defeats against Everton and Wolves, while their form so far against the top-half sides has been quite alarming ahead of hosting the Irons at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham, on the other hand, have lost only once in their past six league outings (against Manchester United) and are high on confidence considering the options they have got across the pitch. Having said that, the gaffer might miss a few of his key first-team stars due to injury woes and therefore, needs to figure out the best possible lineup against the West London hotshots.
4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Lineup To Face Chelsea
Defence
35-year-old Łukasz Fabiański is irreplaceable when he is fit to feature between the sticks. The Poland international has overcome the fitness concerns from the previous campaign and is now enjoying a majestic run at the last line of defence.
Vladimír Coufal has been a stupendous recruit for the right-back role as he knows how to balance his game between attack and defence. However, a groin strain ruled Fabian Balbuena out for the Crystal Palace tie and the gaffer would once again rely on Issa Diop to partner Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of the backline unless the Paraguayan passes a late fitness test. Aaron Cresswell is nursing an ankle injury, yet he is expected to make it for the Chelsea outing with Arthur Masuaku set to undergo knee surgery to get rid of a long-term problem.
Midfield
Long-term Chelsea target Declan Rice must grab the opportunity to impress his suitors while operating as a double pivot alongside Tomáš Souček. The Czech midfield ace has been a revelation in the middle of the park as his physicality, as well as aerial supremacy, is helping the Irons from set-pieces week in week out.
Jarrod Bowen, too, is having an ankle sprain but should recover ahead of the Sunday night contest. He would be utilized from the right-hand flank whereas Manuel Lanzini might get the nod over Pablo Fornals for his impact as a half-time substitute against the Eagles. Saïd Benrahma is adjusting well to meet the grind and demands of Premier League football and could switch his place with Lanzini either on the left or down the middle in and around the box.
Attack
Michail Antonio is closing in on a return but the game against the Blues might come too soon for the versatile attacker. Sébastien Haller has done relatively well in recent weeks, particularly against Palace as his acrobatic bicycle kick earned them an equalizer and uplifted the confidence prior to this high-profile encounter.
