It’s West vs East on Monday night as Graham Potter returns to Stamford Bridge with West Ham as they take on Europa Conference League side Chelsea.
Potter’s last game at the home of Chelsea was a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, but it was a well-earned point in his most recent game against Aston Villa as Emerson rescued a draw at Villa Park.
Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez created the headlines in the Blues' last game as Erling Haaland chipped the Spanish stopper who was in no man’s land in their 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Hammers fans were encouraged by their side’s last performance against Aston Villa, with the pressing style of Potter being complimented, and with key players potentially returning to the squad, West Ham will be optimistic ahead of this London Derby.
The Blues were touted as title challengers after their positive start to the season, but a four-game winless run around Christmas and New Year has stifled that momentum and left them in 6th place.
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Team News
Centre-back is the problem position for Chelsea as both Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are out with injuries, with Fofana’s one being more long-term.
The Blues will also be without Romeo Lavia, with manager Enzo Maresca expecting the Belgian midfielder to be out for the next six Premier League games.
Potter has said to be “hopeful” of a return to the squad for Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen, with the winger being sidelined since the 29th December with a fractured foot.
Crysencio Summerville is unlikely to return to the squad after suffering a hamstring injury in Potter’s first game. Strikers Niclas Fullkrug (Hamstring) and Michail Antonio (Car Accident) will not play against Chelsea
Jean-Clair Todibo has aimed to return for the Hammers’ home game against Brentford in two weeks. Konstantinos Mavropanos returns after serving his one-match ban against Aston Villa.
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Likely Line-Ups
Sanchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Chalobah, James; Fernandez, Caicedo; Nkunku, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.
Areola; Emerson, Cresswell, Kilman, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka; Alvarez, Soucek; Kudus, Paqueta, Bowen.
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Key Players
Chelsea – Cole Palmer
Who else but Chelsea’s star man? The 22-year-old is pivotal to Chelsea attack and has scored 14 goals in the Premier League this season, despite some fans criticising recent performances.
Palmer will be pinpointed by Potter as the danger man and there will no doubt that the West Ham defence will have to do well to keep him quiet.
The Hammers wing-back is starting to look like the 50 million pound player that Manchester United played for after another excellent performance against Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has been a threat ever since joining West Ham in the Summer for a reported 15 million pound fee, scoring two goals and contributing with two assists.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at Stamford Bridge.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off will take place at 20:00 GMT on Monday 3rd February.
Where can I watch?
The game will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football / Sky Sports Main Event / PL channel.
