Preview: West Ham vs Chelsea – Prediction, Team News, Line-ups

Graham Potter knows his side must improve from their opening day Premier League defeat last weekend.

West Ham United were soundly beaten by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the first fixture of the new campaign and the manager cannot have a similar performance.

Jarrod Bowen looked the most likely source of inspiration for the Hammers last week but even the creative England international could not do the business on what was a miserable afternoon.

Some big questions have emerged for Potter as to whether or not he will remain with the same starting XI who lost that game or will he shift one or two bodies around.

Nicolas Fullkrug started but he could be shuffled back out to accommodate Tomas Soucek who came off the bench.

The Czech has been so important for the club over the past number of years and his return to the fold would surely be a welcome one for supporters in a spot behind the German.

Callum Wilson only signed in the summer and starting on his home debut might also be a tempting proposition for Potter.

Chelsea, on the other hand, at least have a point on the board following their goalless 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

It could have been different had Ebere Eze’s controversial free-kick stood rather than be disallowed, but Enzo Maresca will want an improved performance and result regardless.

Nicolas Jackson won’t be involved for Chelsea at all despite his head coach admitting he was available and fit. The transfer speculation surrounding the Senegalese forward has been a distraction, but it would be unlikely he would start anyway,

That spot is reserved for summer signing Joao Pedro who will likely play from kick-off again, ahead of fellow new recruit Liam Delap.

The question for Maresca regards Wesley Fofana who removed all Chelsea links from his social media accounts this week.

Has the Frenchman played his last game for the Blues? Maresca wants a centre-half this window following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury and it appears the former Leicester City defender was perhaps offended he was not picked last weekend.

It was Trevoh Chalobah who started at the back alongside young player Josh Acheampong and the boss might stick with the same backline after keeping an opening day clean sheet.

Throughout the rest of the squad, it could be a much similar lineup as vs Palace.

West Ham vs Chelsea team news

West Ham are without Crysencio Summerville and George Earthy but have a near-clean bill of health other than that. It will all come down to Potter’s preference.

Colwill is out for the visitors, as is Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia. Tosin Adarabioyo suffered a knock last week and is doubtful, but not fully ruled out yet.

West Ham vs Chelsea predicted lineups

West Ham: Hermansen, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez, Diouf, Paqueta, Soucek, Bowen.

Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Enzo, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Gittens, Pedro.