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Chelsea: Three things to look for in clash against West Ham

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea reacts following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea reacts following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Mason Mount after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Mason Mount after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

3. The midfield set-up

Perhaps the player who will benefit from the extended break—in this season’s terms—most is Kai Havertz. The German midfielder has struggled in recent weeks as he attempts to balance a congested fixture list with COVID-19 recovery. Not too long ago, Havertz was having trouble breathing, fast forward a few weeks and he’s starting two Premier League games in 72 hours due to injuries elsewhere in the squad.

The Blues’ record signing hasn’t gotten off to the hottest start, but given the circumstances, it’s understandable. Everybody has heard the narrative by now: Havertz is coming to a new country, moving into the most physically demanding league in the world and attempting to recover from Coronavirus without having a real summer break between seasons. We as supporters can cut him some slack, but that’s a luxury Lampard does not have at the moment. The manager has needed his £80 million man recently and due to the price Chelsea paid, he’s one of the first names on the team sheet. Will that be the case against West Ham?

Barring any significant tactical changes, the Blues will field their usual three-man midfield with N’Golo Kante acting as the reliable anchor. Mason Mount is another name who is one of the first on the team sheet, the question is on the right side of the attacking duo.

Will Lampard give Havertz the rest he so requires? If so, expect Mateo Kovacic to accept the call to action and step in for the Blues. Last year’s Player of the Season hasn’t played as much as he’d perhaps like, but he’s still been a crucial cog in the Chelsea’s machine this campaign. Kovacic brings world class talent with flawless link-up play—and a natural technical ability—to the table. The Croatian is undoubtedly the better option at the moment, whether he starts is a toss up though.

Next. Chelsea talking tactics: David Moyes is the spokesperson for time. dark

What are the things you’ll be looking for in this match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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