Chelsea Search for First Victory In opposition to West Ham United as Maresca Faces Key Choice Decisions
As Chelsea put together for a London derby in opposition to West Ham United on the London Stadium, the dialog naturally centres round workforce choice, defensive reshuffles and the rising affect of Cole Palmer. With kick-off set for 8pm BST tonight, Enzo Maresca finds himself weighing up his choices amid a string of accidents and returning gamers.
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Centre-back Choices Loom for Maresca
One of many extra urgent dilemmas for Maresca lies in central defence. With Benoît Badiashile and Levi Colwill sidelined, and Romeo Lavia nonetheless unavailable, the highlight is on these returning to health and type. The 19-year-old Josh Acheampong made a optimistic impression within the latest win over Crystal Palace, prompting real consideration for one more begin.
Nevertheless, Wesley Fofana has returned to health and will see minutes for the primary time this season. Tosin Adarabioyo, who resumed full coaching on Wednesday, can be again in rivalry. Maresca acknowledged the state of affairs in his pre-match press convention, stating:
“Romeo [Lavia] remains to be out,” Maresca mentioned. “Benoit [Badiashile] remains to be out. Wes is again. Tosin is offered for tomorrow. Final week he was not out there.”
Photograph IMAGO
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That leaves the supervisor with a option to make alongside Trevoh Chalobah, whose place within the beginning eleven seems to be safe for now.
Ahead Choices and New Signings to Watch
In assault, Chelsea have selections to make with their newest acquisitions. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are each vying for a spot up entrance, and both might be deployed because the central determine in Maresca’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system. Whereas Delap presents a extra direct choice, Pedro’s versatility may see him hyperlink extra successfully with the three attacking midfielders.
Cole Palmer is predicted to retain his place within the quantity ten position. His creativity, intelligence on the ball and talent to knit collectively play has been instrumental in Chelsea’s early type this season. If Palmer finds area, particularly between West Ham’s traces, it may spell hassle for the hosts.
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Younger Expertise and Tactical Identification
Maresca’s Chelsea are nonetheless very a lot a piece in progress, however there are clear indicators of a definite tactical identification starting to take form. The mixture of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in midfield gives a stable basis, whereas the inclusion of younger gamers like Acheampong, Gittens and Palmer displays the supervisor’s willingness to belief in youth.
This night’s fixture will provide one other take a look at of how properly the squad is adapting to Maresca’s concepts. In opposition to a West Ham United facet that may be sturdy and troublesome to interrupt down, Chelsea might want to present precision in possession and self-discipline off the ball.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs West Ham United
Formation: 4-2-3-1
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Line-up: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Joao Pedro
Injured: Badiashile, Lavia, Colwill
Venue: London Stadium
Kick-off: 8pm BST, Friday, 22 August 2025
Broadcast: Sky Sports activities
Chelsea will probably be seeking to preserve their momentum within the Premier League, with Cole Palmer as soon as once more central to their attacking rhythm. In opposition to a resilient West Ham United facet, Maresca’s selections may properly outline the end result.