There is no escaping the truth that Chelsea has had a disappointing season thus far. In the first 21 games of the Premier League season, there hasn't been much cause for hope on the field, with Graham Potter's team currently sitting ninth in the standings and having already been eliminated by Manchester City from both domestic competitions.
Since the takeover in the summer, the club has seen some changes, including the hiring of a new head coach, a wave of injuries, and various behind-the-scenes adjustments throughout the past six months. Even with a great lot of understanding, more will have been anticipated, and the £600 million that has been spent since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali comes with its own expectations.
It almost goes without seeing that much of Chelsea's squad have been below their best. Now with a more bloated squad and vast competition for places, many will have a point to prove both for a place in the team against West Ham but also for their futures.
Joao Felix - The Atletico Madrid loanee put in a very exciting debut performance against Fulham but it was overshadowed by a red card that saw him miss the next three matches. The Portugal international is eligible to return against West Ham on Saturday and given the loan fee Chelsea paid for his services and the relatively few games of the season left, he must hit the ground running.
Mason Mount - In terms of ability, Mason Mount has nothing to prove to anyone. The midfielder has shown himself to be one of the most trusted players to a number of Chelsea coaches in recent seasons but having been named player of the season in consecutive years, he has struggled to match that level of output this season.
Mount has produced just three goals and six assists this season in 28 appearances, with four of those assists coming in the space of six Champions League matches. However, the England international has become a victim of Chelsea's struggles in advanced positions this term and while he still offers a lot systematically, a rest may be on the cards.
The Cobham product has played more than 50 games in each of the last three seasons for the Blues and may need the team to help find his best as much as he has helped the team in recent seasons.
Marc Cucurella - The Spanish defender has had a mixed time since joining Chelsea from Brighton in the summer. The former Seagulls star had little room for error having joined for a premium price and has not always lived up to expectation in the absence of Ben Chilwell.
The 24-year-old was left competiting with Lewis Hall for a place on the left flank and while some solid performances were present, he far from cemented his claim.
Hopefully Chilwell's return can aid Cucurella's cause, however, as Potter can now afford to use his charge when the system and opposition more suits his involvement. He may not impose himself on the opponents' area like Chelsea have come to expect with Chilwell but some of his better outings have come against technically-adept opposition, such as Manchester City.
N'Golo Kante - Potter has not been able to call upon the midfield star since his arrival at the club in September but Kante is finally on his way back to full fitness. With his contract set to expire in the summer and negotiations underway, it's sure he will want to leave some kind of impression on Potter. While his quality will be a massive bonus on the pitch, the biggest point to prove he has is that his fitness can be managed and that the former Leicester midfielder can be available for most of the remainder of the season.
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