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Chelsea predicted lineup vs West Ham United: Felix, Mudryk and Madueke start

Chelsea will face London rivals West Ham United at the London Stadium in an early Saturday kickoff. Graham Potter’s side will be hoping to get back to winning ways after a 0-0 draw against Fulham and Chelsea have every right to be hopeful, given West Ham’s vulnerable position. The Hammers sit 17th in the table with 19 points, just one point above the relegation zone.

Chelsea are finally seeing some of their injured stars return as Reece James started the last game, whereas Ben Chilwell came on in the final stages of the game for a six minute cameo. Mateo Kovacic is in contention to feature against the Hammers. Mudryk was suffering from a bad cold and was taken off at halftime against Fulham but should be back for the West Ham tie. N’Golo Kante is doing very light training and is still far away from returning to the match day squad.

Another big boost could be the potential return of Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman has trained with the team and should be available for selection. Denis Zakaria is still recuperating from his thigh injury. Joao Felix also returns after serving his three game suspension after picking up a red card against Fulham.

Potter could unleash a strong side against West Ham and inflict more damage on David Moyes’ side, who are already struggling in the league. CFC will be hoping to pick up three points on the road as they begin their top four ascend.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs West Ham United

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa has been impressive in the recent run of games and kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League during the 0-0 draw against the Cottagers. The Spaniard will be hoping to carry on his fine form against the Irons.

Defence: Right back: Reece James

Reece James returned from injury last weekend, starting against Fulham and lasting 60 minutes before being taken off for Cesar Azpilicueta. James should be in contention to start against West Ham, albeit this time lasting the whole of 90 minutes as the Englishman will look to use his pace and attacking instincts to bombard down the right flank.

Centre back: Thiago Silva

Even at the age of 38, Thiago Silva is going strong, producing a robust display week in week out in the backline. Silva and Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to extend his deal for one more year as the Brazilian continues to be the best defender on pitch for the Blues.

Centre back: Benoit Badiashile

Even though Fofana is ready to start, Potter might want to ease the Frenchman and first give him a cameo appearance. Benoit Badiashile and Silva have forged a solid partnership in the backline and getting past them is proving to be an impossible task for the opposition attackers. Badiashile has been composed on the ball and deserves to start against Moyes’ side.

Left back: Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell played a six minute cameo against Fulham and should now be available to start. Marc Cucurella has not been able to assert himself at Chelsea and should now take a backup role as Chilwell returns from a long term injury. The former Leicester City man could start his first game for Chelsea since November.

Midfield Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez

Without a doubt, Chelsea’s marquee signing must start after impressing on his debut last time around. Enzo Fernandez has energy, drive and directness that Chelsea midfield had been missing. Without a doubt, the Argentine is one of the first names on the team sheet.

Central midfield: Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher started alongside Fernandez last time around and given the scarce midfield options for the Blues, this duo would continue against West Ham. Kovacic could feature in some capacity but he has just returned and Potter won’t deploy the Croatian unless absolutely necessary as rushing him in the team could increase the risk of a recurrence injury.

Attacking midfield: Joao Felix

Mason Mount hasn’t been clicking in recent games and is struggling to produce quality passes and through balls in the final third. The Englishman has been an important part of Potter’s setup but recent performances have raised questions over his inclusion. Felix is returning after serving his three game suspension and should be raring to start behind the striker. Felix provides much more attacking support than Mount and should be a world class addition to the lineup.

Attack: Right wing: Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke came on as a substitute in the Fulham game but should be handed his first Chelsea start against West Ham at the expense of Hakim Ziyech. Although Ziyech has been impressive in the last few games, Madueke is a live wire who can raid down the right flank and impose himself on the West Ham defenders.

Striker: David Datro Fofana

Kai Havertz has done little to stake his claim on the starter’s role. The German has disappointed in the striker’s role and Potter must now consider David Datro Fofana, especially after his performance against Fulham. The Ivorian was spirited against the Cottagers and deserves a full-fledged chance to showcase his talent. Fofana ended up staying with the Blues despite rumours of a loan deal and now is the time to give the 20 year old a chance to impress.

Left wing: Mykhaylo Mudryk

Mykhaylo Mudryk was taken off at half time as the Ukrainian was struggling with severe cold during the Fulham game. Mudryk looked out of sorts and underwhelming in that game but with the 22 year old now fit, he should retain his starting place. Mudryk combining with Chilwell will be an interesting combination on the left flank.