Chelsea set for West Ham clash

Josh Acheampong starts again in the Chelsea predicted line-up to play against West Ham in the Premier League.

Predicted Chelsea line-up to face West Ham as £55m player dropped and Josh Acheampong decision made

Chelsea travel to West Ham for the first away game of the season after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. The Chelsea Chronicle predicts Enzo Maresca will name the same goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, and a back four of Reece James, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella. The middle three could see Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in central roles with Cole Palmer just behind the forwards. In attack, Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto are set to flank Joao Pedro in a central role. West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Sunderland in their opener, which adds pressure on both teams in a London derby. Chelsea won 3-0 at West Ham last season and will hope to replicate that result.

Estevao Willian steps in for Jamie Gittens, who cost £55m, allowing Pedro Neto to move to the left. Joao Pedro leads the line with Liam Delap providing bench competition. Tosin Adarabioyo is listed as a doubt and Wesley Fofana did not feature in the opener. Reece James remains at right-back and Marc Cucurella keeps his place at left-back, while Jorrel Hato is waiting for a competitive Blues debut. The lineup also emphasizes a familiar midfield trio with Caicedo and Fernandez anchoring the middle and Palmer in behind the strike pair, a combination designed to blend control with creativity against a West Ham side looking to rebound.

The decision to start Acheampong again signals Chelsea’s intention to build a base of young players who can grow into responsibility. It is a bold move that tests depth early in a season and could pay off if the back line stays compact and the midfield releases Palmer to influence play. The potential absence of Adarabioyo adds risk at centre-back, especially against a West Ham club that will push high and press. Jorrel Hato waiting in the wings hints at a longer-term plan to rotate and preserve energy in a tight schedule.

In midfield, Caicedo and Fernandez honour a familiar pairing, with Palmer operating behind the front two as a creative catalyst. If Palmer finds form, this setup could unlock Pedro’s pace and Neto’s width, giving Chelsea a direct route to goal. The derby adds urgency for Maresca to show progress early; a strong performance can build confidence, while a stumble could spark questions about inexperience and risk management. The wider season context rests on whether this blend of youth and experience can translate into consistent results and steady squad growth.

Highlights

The result will reveal how far Chelsea’s evolving plan can carry them in the early weeks of the season.