Despite plenty of injury issues, Chelsea boss Graham Potter has some difficult decisions to make for his starting XI and matchday squad as the Blues take on West Ham
Graham Potter Previews West Ham Vs Chelsea
Chelsea travel to West Ham on Saturday in search of three points and some momentum as they look to kick on into the second part of the season. The Blues are unbeaten in three matches but have only won once in 2023 and take on a West Ham side who have had struggles of their own.
David Moyes' team lie 17th in the table but come into the fixture having defeated Everton and earned a point away to Newcastle. The Irons have only tasted victory once in the Premier League since the division's return from the World Cup, however.
Graham Potter will remain without up to eight players for the clash, despite the riches gathered in the January transfer market. Raheem Sterling is the latest figure on the injury list having picked up a knee issue in training.
Potter said in his press conference: "They are getting closer and closer. Wesley has been training with the team, Denis has been training with the team. We've had a little setback with Raheem, he is doubtful. He got a kick in training at the side of his knee. Mateo is training with the team but it'll be too soon for him."
The Blues boss will still have difficult decisions to make, however, as Joao Felix is once again eligible to play having served his three-match suspension.
Here is how football.london Chelsea writers Adam Newson and Scott Trotter view Potter's selection issues ahead of the trip to the London Stadium.
Adam Newson
Midfield remains the big problem for Graham Potter with Mateo Kovacic not ready to return, Denis Zakaria still overcoming his thigh issue, N’Golo Kante still on the way back from hamstring surgery, and Jorginho now an Arsenal player.
I would set Chelsea up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and Enzo Fernandez would be one of the deeper midfielders, although long-term I’d want the Argentine further forward. Who partners the Blues’ club-record signing is not easy but I feel the energy of Conor Gallagher could prove important in what is usually a hotly-contested London derby.
The backline somewhat picks itself. Reece James should start at right-back - but not complete the 90 minutes - while Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile have to be the central defenders given their blossoming partnership. I would start Lewis Hall at left-back and introduce Ben Chilwell in the second period.
The now-available Joao Felix has to come into the frontline and I’d play him in a free role; Mason Mount has struggled for form this season and would come out of the side.
I would hand a start to Noni Madueke on the right flank and with Raheem Sterling a doubt and Christian Pulisic sidelined, I would give Mykhailo Mudryk another start on the left. Kai Havertz could then lead the attack - and a big performance is required by the German.
Adam's XI : Kepa, James, Silva, Badiashile, Hall; Fernandez, Gallagher; Madueke, Felix, Mudryk; Havertz.
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