The Premier League continues this Friday, August 22, 2025, as West Ham United host Chelsea at the London Stadium. Both teams enter this clash with something to prove — Chelsea are chasing their first win under Enzo Maresca, while Graham Potter’s West Ham need to bounce back after a crushing opening-day defeat.
 |
| West Ham vs Chelsea: Team News, Tactical Preview & Predictions |
🔵 Chelsea Team News
Chelsea have been dealt several squad changes ahead of the game:
Unavailable Players: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Benoît Badiashile.
Available/Returning Players: Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, João Pedro, Liam Delap.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Sánchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Estêvão; João Pedro.
⚒️ West Ham Team News
West Ham also face some injury concerns:
Unavailable Players: Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme.
Key Starters: Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, Tomas Souček.
Likely West Ham XI (3-4-3):
Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Souček, Ward-Prowse, Diouf; Paquetá, Wilson, Bowen.
Tactical Breakdown
Chelsea (Enzo Maresca):
Focus on possession and build-up play.
Palmer as the playmaker.
João Pedro as the central striker supported by wide pace.
West Ham (Graham Potter):
A defensive 3-4-3 with counter-attacking intent.
Bowen as the main threat on the right.
Paquetá to link midfield and attack.
Key Battles
1. Bowen vs Cucurella
2. Palmer vs Souček/Ward-Prowse
3. João Pedro vs Kilman/Aguerd
Predictions
BBC Sport: Chelsea to edge it 2-1.
Sky Sports: 1-1 draw expected.
Opta Stats: Chelsea win chance 46%, Draw 28%, West Ham win 26%.
In conclusion, this London derby promises intensity, passion, and fine margins:
Chelsea are looking for their first Premier League win of the season.
West Ham are desperate for a bounce-back performance at home.
Whether it ends in drama or deadlock, this is a must-watch clash under the lights at the London Stadium.
What’s your score prediction for West Ham vs Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
0 Comments