Potter faces tough test at West Ham

Graham Potter believes beating Chelsea will require luck as West Ham prepare for a tough London derby.

Potter says Chelsea clash needs luck and balance

West Ham host Chelsea at the London Stadium on Friday in a clash that doubles as a test of trust and talent for both managers. Chelsea arrive as favorites after a string of solid results under Enzo Maresca, while West Ham opened the season with a 3-0 loss to Sunderland and need a positive reaction at home. Potter, now in charge of West Ham, says beating Chelsea will demand a big team performance and a touch of luck, with Chelsea described as being in a really good moment. Chelsea could name Tosin Adarabioyo in defense, with Levi Colwill sidelined by a knee injury, and Wesley Fofana potentially starting after being on the bench in the opener.

The piece recaps Potter’s short stint at Chelsea, noting seven league wins in 22 Premier League games and a broader 31-match sample that trends less favorable outside the league. Mauricio Pochettino took over and Maresca has since led Chelsea back toward Europe’s elite, underscoring how quickly fortunes can shift in the Premier League.

This match underscores how quickly reputations can shift in football. A former Chelsea manager now trying to build a personal project elsewhere faces the club he once steered, while Maresca has steered Chelsea toward stronger form. The dynamic highlights the fragility of early-season momentum and the pressure on owners to see a clear return on investment.

Beyond the immediate result, the game exposes tactical tensions: a call for balance between attack and defense, the reliance on a bit of luck in big moments, and the expectation that leadership translates into results for fans and stakeholders alike.

Highlights

The London Stadium will reveal whether momentum can outweigh expectation.