Chelsea v West Ham United: Preview and possible line-ups

Tom Master 5 years ago 12.5k |

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Chelsea are fighting for Champions League qualification for next season. AFP

We look ahead to the Premier League clash between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are fighting for Champions League qualification in the top 4 race, whilst West Ham are fighting for a spot in the Europa League next season.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Maurizio Sarri made significant changes for the previous match against Brighton and Hove Albion, picking the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Loftus-Cheek went off with a minor hamstring strain, but will be looking to play again after his excellent performances against both Brighton and Cardiff City. Sarri will have to balance out his side with Chelsea facing Slavia Prague in the Europa League Quarter-Finals on Thursday evening. Eden Hazard, N'Golo Kante and the everpresent Jorginho will all likely start again for Chelsea, with Antonio Rudiger, Ross Barkley and Marcos Alonso all likely to feature. The main talking point will be whether Sarri decides to continue with Hudson-Odoi, or go for the more experienced option of Willian and Pedro.

West Ham

Manuel Pellegrini has received fitness boosts with Samir Nasri, Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic all likely to be playing at Stamford Bridge. There is still a long list of injuries at West Ham, although Mark Noble and Javier Hernandez may both be back after being rested against Everton.

MANAGERS' THOUGHTS

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri on West Ham and whether Callum Hudson-Odoi will feature again:

"West Ham are a really very dangerous team. They have not been consistent but they have quality so in a single match they can be a threat."

"I am not yet sure if he will start again on Monday, but there will be rotation because we must all be ready for the end of the season"

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini on bouncing back at Chelsea and Marko Arnautovic:

"Of course I was not happy after Everton and I don’t want to give excuses when we lost a game. I need to see players that are not afraid to play against Chelsea away. After that we need to play against Manchester United and we must try to go there and not just defend a result, but try to play and after that we’ll see which team plays better."

"This happens with some players. In a moment of the season, they are not in their best form and maybe they need the support more than to punish them. Marko is absolutely on board, mentally and physically. I repeat he is not in a good moment, but supporting him he will return to what he was demonstrating some months ago."