Chelsea team news: Anticipated XI vs West Ham as Potter faces Mykhaylo Mudryk decision
Graham Potter must decide whether to start Mykhaylo Mudryk for a third consecutive game after the winger was substituted at halftime in last week’s match against Fulham.
The Blues will travel to London Stadium to face West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday as they seek their third victory in 12 Premier League matches.
With his team languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table, Potter has come under increasing pressure. And SportsDias examines the possible starting lineup for the 47-year-old.
Goalkeeper – Kepa
Kepa Arrizabalaga has overtaken Edouard Mendy as Chelsea’s primary goalkeeper this season, and he secured his seventh shutout in 13 Premier League matches last weekend in a scoreless draw against Fulham. As a result, he is expected to retain his starting position as the team’s goalkeeper for their upcoming match against the Hammers.
Defence – James, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella
Chelsea’s defense has appeared much more stable in recent weeks, having only given up four goals in seven Premier League matches since the return of domestic football after the World Cup.
Marc Cucurella, who has faced criticism for his subpar performance since joining Chelsea from Brighton last year, will be fighting to keep his spot as the left-back now that Ben Chilwell is back to full fitness, but he may be given one last chance to demonstrate that he is better than the England international.
On the right side of defense, Reece James is expected to play, with Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile in the center-back positions.
Midfield – Gallagher, Fernandez, Mount
Chelsea made a British record transfer of £107 million to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica on the final day of the transfer window. He made his debut for the Blues against Fulham in his last outing.
The 22-year-old could be given the responsibility of leading the Chelsea team from the center of the field as he becomes acclimated to English football.
Conor Gallagher, who has started 10 Premier League matches this season, may also be given a starting position, and Mason Mount is expected to be in the starting lineup as well.
Forwards – Ziyech, Havertz, Mudryk
Chelsea boasts an abundance of talent in every position due to owner Todd Boehly’s recent investments. Potter must determine whether to continue relying on Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in a £88 million transfer early in January after the club stole Arsenal’s move for him.
Mudryk was substituted at halftime during the match against Fulham due to a cold, but he hopes to start ahead of Raheem Sterling when Chelsea faces West Ham.
Despite only scoring six goals in 28 matches this season, the goal-shy Kai Havertz seems to be Chelsea’s preferred choice for the center forward position, while Hakim Ziyech may maintain his spot on the right wing.
Chelsea team news: Anticipated XI vs West Ham as Potter faces Mykhaylo Mudryk decision
