Sanchez decision, Felix out, Neto snubbed - Predicted Chelsea line-up vs West Ham

February 02, 2025

Chelsea welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge this evening as the Blues look to respond positively after being defeated at Manchester City nine days ago

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Robert Sanchez during Everton vs Chelsea (Image: Paul Ellis/AFP)

Chelsea play their 24th match of the Premier League season tonight with West Ham United the visitors to Stamford Bridge.

Twenty months after Graham Potter was sacked as Blues head coach, the 49-year-old returns to SW6 in charge of the Hammers after he replaced Julen Lopetegui last month. So far in the Premier League, Potter has led the Irons to one win, a defeat and a draw, and will be desperate to get one over on his former employers tonight.

Enzo Maresca, who was once Potter's teammate at West Bromwich Albion, has a few tough decisions to make regarding the line-up he will field in west London. After a not-so-convincing display away at Manchester City over a week ago, the Italian could make numerous changes to the XI against their London rivals.

One of those decisions is regarding the goalkeeper. After another awful performance from Robert Sanchez in Manchester, there has been plenty of talk over the last nine days with the suggestions that the Spaniard should be dropped. Below, football.london gets right into that - and much more - in our predicted Chelsea XI...

GK: Filip Jorgensen
Sanchez has to be dropped, for me. The way Maresca was in the press conference: he didn't say too much about Sanchez - nothing too telling, anyway. But it just seemed like his tone changed on the Spaniard a bit. I think Jorgensen will replace him and make his third Premier League start for the Blues.
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RB: Reece James
James has been impressive since returning from injury. There have been nine days since the captain was last in action, so a nice rest for the injury prone right-back.
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CB: Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has been an ever-present figure since being recalled from loan last month. The defender is once again expected to start with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile still recovering from their respective hamstring issues.
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CB: Levi Colwill
Colwill struggled against Manchester City nine days ago but overall, the England international has had a solid season for Chelsea. He remains so integral to Maresca's back-line and it is clear the Italian has immense trust in the centre-back.
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LB: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella is one of Chelsea's only options at left-back. The Spaniard has been so impressive this season and his attacking threat could well be key in breaking the Hammers down tonight.
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