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Mauricio Pochettino must replace Reece James in his starting lineup against West Ham at the London Stadium this Saturday.
Chelsea travels to West Ham on Sunday, and Mauricio Pochettino has already announced alterations to his starting lineup.
The Blues manager has fresh signings to consider, as well as seven players who have been ruled out of the match at the London Stadium, which means at least one change will be made. Reece James has been ruled out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during training, which means Ben Chilwell will most likely take the captain’s armband against the Irons.
Supporters will be keen to discover what kind of impact Moises Caicedo and Rome Lavia can have on Sunday. Pochettino was coy over their prospects and will assess the situation on Saturday ahead of the game.
He explained:
“We have one day more to assess them, but it has been stressful weeks for Moises and Romeo also. It would be easy to say they would be involved but the most important thing is to avoid risks and not to rush with them. If they are ready tomorrow, they will be involved but if not, we will wait a few days more to be involved in the squad.”
Having been handed the No. 1 shirt earlier in the week, Robert Sanchez is the obvious answer to put in goal but Reece James’ injury could give Pochettino some pause for thought. If he plans to retain his trust in three central defenders that started against Liverpool, Axel Disasi could perhaps take to the role on the right.
Due to Mauricio Pochettino’s injury, Chelsea have found a suitable alternative for Reece James
However, following an impressive pre-season, Malo Gusto should start with Ben Chilwell captaining the side on the opposite flank. Disasi could be the figure to make way as Chelsea’s midfield are tasked with collecting the ball in the heart of defensce, and Moises Caicedo makes his first start for the club.
He will provide the perfect partner for Enzo Fernandez to have more freedom moving forwards, albeit it would be harsh decision to drop Conor Gallagher after a decent outing against Liverpool.
Carney Chukwuemeka has been trusted often enough in the No. 10 spot to continue in that role for now, while Raheem Sterling can start on the right with Ian Maatsen and Mykhailo Mudryk fighting out for the remaining place in the team on the left, behind Nicolas Jackson.
Sport Analyst’s XI:
Sanchez; Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sterling, Chukwuemeka, Maatsen; Jackson.
Sanchez is the obvious choice in goal following Kepa’s exit from the club in the week. There were some interesting comments from Pochettino almost hinting the club could look to add another goalkeeper in the next few weeks but Sanchez will start vs West Ham.
Gusto has to come in at right-back with James missing with a hamstring problem. The young Frenchman looked strong in pre-season so it will be interesting to see how he fares now that he will have a run in the side.
Despite Axel Disasi’s performance last week, Silva and Colwill will start at center back. Chilwell defends on the left side.
Caicedo and Fernandez, in my opinion, must begin as a double pivot. It’s what we’ve been waiting for, and the notion of them performing as a duo is thrilling.
Madueke should not be reintroduced into the team. Pochettino stated that the England Under-21 international is fit and ready to play, so why not start him?
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Mudryk is on the left, and Chukwuemeka is in the center. And, of course, Jackson as the No.9, who is aiming for his first Premier League goal.
Sport Expert’s starting XI is as follows:
Sanchez; Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk; Jackson.
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