Following a crucial victory that saw them surpass their London counterparts in the Premier League standings, Chelsea are gearing up to face fellow European hopefuls West Ham United at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
The Blues’ midweek triumph over Tottenham Hotspur propelled them above the Hammers, who settled for a 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend. Here’s a comprehensive look at the team news for both clubs ahead of this highly anticipated clash.
CHELSEA:
Out: Enzo Fernandez (hernia), Wesley Fofana (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (thigh), Reece James (thigh), Raheem Sterling (back), Malo Gusto (knee), Ben Chilwell (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Thiago Silva (groin), Robert Sanchez (unspecified)
Doubtful: Alfie Gilchrist (unspecified), Axel Disasi (knock), Levi Colwill (toe), Christopher Nkunku (thigh)
Predicted XI: Petrovic; Gilchrist, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
WEST HAM UNITED:
Out: Nayef Aguerd (ankle)
Doubtful: George Earthy (head), Dinos Mavropanos (knock)
Predicted XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio
Chelsea’s injury list is quite extensive, with several key players sidelined due to various ailments.
Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana, and Romeo Lavia are among those nursing injuries, along with Reece James and Raheem Sterling, who are struggling with thigh and back issues, respectively. Additionally, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva are dealing with knee and groin problems, while Robert Sanchez’s specific injury remains unspecified.
In terms of doubtful players, Alfie Gilchrist, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Christopher Nkunku face fitness concerns, casting uncertainty over their availability for the upcoming fixture.
Despite these setbacks, Chelsea manager is expected to field a competitive lineup, with Petrovic likely to feature in goal and a midfield comprising Caicedo and Gallagher.
Meanwhile, West Ham United’s injury concerns are relatively less severe, with Nayef Aguerd ruled out due to an ankle injury. George Earthy and Dinos Mavropanos are doubtful for the clash, pending assessments of a head injury and knock, respectively. Should Earthy and Mavropanos be unavailable, manager David Moyes may opt for Areola between the posts, supported by a defensive lineup featuring Coufal, Zouma, and Emerson.
As both teams prepare to battle it out on the pitch, these injury updates and predicted lineups offer valuable insights into the potential compositions of Chelsea and West Ham United. With crucial points at stake in the race for European qualification, fans can expect an enthralling encounter between these Premier League contenders.