Predicted Chelsea line-up to face West Ham: Who starts for the Blues?

Willian’s early strike was enough to earn Chelsea all three points against PAOK on matchday one of the Europa League. The Blues successfully carried their stellar form to the European front and absolutely dominated the opposition away from home.

With five wins out of five in the Premier League, Chelsea are currently on a high under new manager Maurizio Sarri and they must continue their unbeaten run when they make the trip to London Stadium to face West Ham on Sunday.

Team News

Mateo Kovacic suffered a dead leg in training and did not make the trip to Greece for the Europa League game while Pedro picked up a shoulder injury against PAOK on Thursday. However, both the injuries are minor and their selection on Sunday will be subject to a late fitness test.

Predicted Chelsea XI to face West Ham United

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Formation: 4-3-3

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard has not been called into action enough this season but has looked quite solid between the sticks. He must start on Sunday.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The Spaniard has been composed at the back and should replace Davide Zappacosta for the weekend game against West Ham.

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The German has visibly grown in confidence as the season progresses. He stamped his authority over the opposition attackers in the Europa League clash and should start on Sunday.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

The Danish international got his chance against PAOK but looked quite sluggish and rusty for a 22-year-old. However, Sarri should hand the youngster another opportunity against West Ham.

Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spaniard has been one of the standout performers for the Blues this season and has looked more like a specialist attacker in the final third. However, he has diligently discharged his duties at the back as well and Sarri must not bench him.

Ross Barkley (LCM)

Arguably Chelsea’s best performer of the night in the Europa League tie, the English international deserves a chance to return to the starting line-up ahead of Mateo Kovacic, who might not be fit to start.

N’Golo Kante (RCM)

Chelsea’s midfield powerhouse has excelled in a more advanced role this season and the Frenchman did not have much to do against a virtually non-existent PAOK midfield. He must start on Sunday.

Jorginho (CDM)

The Italian has impressed with his range of passing and has shown the ability to dictate the tempo of the game from his deep position in the midfield. Sarri should hand him another start.

Willian (RW)

The Brazilian has scored in back-to-back games for the Blues and he should start on the right, given that Pedro has a shoulder niggle and might not feature in the starting line-up.

Eden Hazard (LW)

He is Chelsea’s indispensable weapon in the attacking third and already has 5 goals to his name. Although he did not make the trip to Greece, he must start on Sunday.

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Olivier Giroud (ST)

The Frenchman was impressive against Cardiff and played as the perfect target man to link up with Hazard. Given Morata’s poor run of form in front of the goal, Sarri should hand Giroud his second start of the season.