Predicted West Ham line-up to face Chelsea in the Premier League
London rivals West Ham and Chelsea clash as the Hammers look to build upon their first win of the season on Sunday.
West Ham have only one win in their Premier League season but that shouldn’t dampen their spirits against Chelsea, who have enjoyed a flawless start to the new campaign.
With Chelsea up at home, Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers have an uphill battle in front of them in order to get a positive result from this match.
Team News
West Ham are optimistic that Marco Arnautovic will be fit for Sunday’s clash after he was substituted in the second half in the victory over Everton last weekend. Javier Hernandez is also likely to return to the squad for the visit of Chelsea after missing the Everton trip with illness.
Jack Wilshere is out for a month after an ankle surgery. Wilshere has joined the likes of Andy Carroll, Winston Reid and Manuel Lanzini on the sidelines.
Probable West Ham XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Lukasz Fabianski (GK)
Fabianski has been fantastic in goal for the Hammers so far this season and is expected to retain his place in the team.
Pablo Zabaleta (RB)
Zabaleta may not be a marauding right-back anymore but his experience and leadership skills will be vital for West Ham against Chelsea.
Fabian Balbuena (CB)
Balbuena is slowly starting to find his feet at West Ham and the win over Everton will give him a lot of confidence.
Issa Diop (CB)
Partnering Balbuena at the heart of the West Ham defence will be Diop. A pillar of strength, Diop will have hus task cut out against Chelsea’s potent front three.
Arthur Masuaku (LB)
Masuaku is a speedy left-back who loves to surge forward with the ball and contribute to West Ham’s attacks.
Declan Rice (CDM)
Calm on the ball, Rice will offer protection to the West Ham backline.
Mark Noble (RCM)
Noble will be given the task of shutting down the smooth passing of Chelsea’s elite midfielders. His presence in the midfield would be vital.
Pedro Obiang (LCM)
Obiang has shown that he can be trusted in the midfield. He is a definite starter against the Blues.
Felipe Anderson (LW)
Anderson has the speed, skill and strength to cause problems to the Chelsea’s defence.
Andriy Yarmolenko (RW)
Yarmolenko was a class act against Everton, demonstrating why West Ham paid so much money for him in the summer. The Ukrainian will look to be dominant again at the weekend.
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Marco Arnautovic (ST)
Arnautovic possesses the skill and the ability to hold the ball and bring his teammates into the game. He is playing with a different swagger and on current form, the Austrian is too crucial to West Ham’s game plan.