Pedro Neto will replace Jadon Sancho in the Chelsea starting lineup against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways and reclaim a spot in the top four when they host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. Enzo Maresca has no new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable as he serves a suspension after failing a doping test. The Ukrainian international accompanies Omari Kellyman (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Wesley Fofana (hamstring), and Benoit Badiashile (thigh) on the sidelines.
During his pre-match press conference, Maresca confirmed no changes to his squad’s state ahead of Monday’s game. The Italian tactician said, “It is exactly the same as for the last game. Wes [Fofana] is out, Romeo [Lavia] is out, Benoit [Badiashile] is out. The rest are ok.”
The Chelsea manager spoke at length about Reece James and his impact during his presser. He said, “We are very happy that finally he is back for us. We consider Reece to be a top player, one of the best players we have, and for sure he is going to help us from now on.”
“Since the start Reece is improving, he is getting better. I’ve said many times that all captains have to be a good example with all of their team-mates, especially in this team when we have many young players. He is trying to make an effort in terms of this kind of thing, in terms of leadership. He is doing that in general – it is during the training sessions, in the changing room, all of the time.”
Reece James will keep his place in the defensive unit, which should remain unchanged from the game against Manchester City. Robert Sanchez will also retain his spot between the sticks despite his howler in the same match. Chelsea will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of the Spaniard, with James accompanying Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella in the backline.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the double pivot. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke being the two wide attackers. Finally, Nicolas Jackson will lead the line for the home side against West Ham United. So, Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku will be among the options on the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
