Chelsea will travel to the East hoping for a change of fortune this weekend. West Ham United have almost got everything wrong this season. Their struggles have found them on the 17th position on the points table. However, after reinforcing the squad with the likes of Danny Ings and the young Brazilian centre back Luizao, David Moyes’ side will look to escape the relegation battle soon and hope for a mid table finish.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have played their role in the transfer window leaving no stone unturned. After being eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup itself, the Blues enjoyed a two week break and then did get a chance to experiment with their new signings at the Bridge against Fulham. CFC cannot afford to waste time any more if they plan to secure a spot in the top four at the end of the season and will have to start dealing in three points this game onwards. Chelsea have only managed to win two of their last 12 games and with the quality that the squad possesses now, such performances will not be acceptable.
The west London outfit have definitely put on better displays but still struggle to find that end product in the final third. Joao Felix is back from suspension and will be available for selection, this definitely will be a huge boost to the side. Graham Potter will be expected to make bold decisions and use this power packed squad to its full potential.
Although the Blues squad is quite vast and each player has something different to offer, this trio must start at London Stadium:
1. Reece James of Chelsea
‘One of our own’. Reece James is fit and was allowed to play for an hour against Fulham on the weekend. Bearing in mind the Champions League Round of 16 fixture coming up midweek, Potter definitely will be in two minds as Reece James will be required to play the entire 90 against Borussia Dortmund. However, CFC cannot ignore the fact that West Ham possess great quality in the attack which could prove to be a threat.
The West Londoners cannot afford to risk losing any points at this stage of the season and any player that gives us the edge has got to start. Although expecting James to play the full duration of the game would not be a reasonable ask, the supporters do expect him to play another strong 60 minutes.
2. Joao Felix
The Portuguese star caught the eye of the Chelsea fanbase on his debut against Fulham last month. However, his dream start was cut short with a moment of carelessness which got him sent off in second half of the game.
But the Portugal attacker was a constant threat as long as he was on the pitch. His treacherous runs got the better of the opponents on most of the occasions and the CFC supporters can’t wait to have him back in playing XI. Especially with Enzo Fernandez now in the centre of the midfield, Felix’s threat could be enhanced. Felix has the ability to get to the end of those passes and then finish with ease. The Portuguese International has no option but to hit the ground running already and prove to the Blues that he is worth the money spent.
3. David Datro Fofana
Although this might come as a shock to most Chels‘ fans, it should be quite the opposite. Potter’s favored no.9 Kai Havertz has managed to disappoint the Blues supporters consistently and not done enough to warrant a place in the playing XI anymore. This side desperately need an upgrade on the German. Fofana’s imposing display after coming on in the second half against Fulham proved that he could be the right man for the job. Fofana displayed intent throughout and was a menace to the opposition.
At this stage of the season, with UCL fixtures mid-week, there is no scope for complacency and any player that displays class must get a fair chance. Also, after apparently avoiding the opportunity of a one and a half year loan deal at Galatasaray, the Ivorian will definitely expect the game time he deserves.