Graham Potter and Enzo Maresca looking ahead.
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Wed 20 August 2025 11:10, UK
Graham Potter will be seeking an instant response from his West Ham players as they face Chelsea in the Premier League on Friday.
West Ham were dismantled 3-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, heaping increased pressure on the Hammers manager after the opening day.
Potter may already be fearing the sack at the London Stadium and faces a tough run of fixtures starting with the Blues.
With the Irons set to play Enzo Maresca’s side at the London Stadium, there will be no place to hide for the faltering players.
West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
Potter will be under the microscope in East London (Credit: Imago)
Callum Wilson to be handed home debut in place of Niclas Fullkrug
Fullkrug struggled for West Ham at the Stadium of Light and could be dropped in favour of Wilson.
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In truth, Fullkrug was one of a host of players who put in a dismal showing, and Potter simply must make changes.
Although he could have prevented Wilson Isidor’s late goal, Mads Hermansen is expected to retain his place between the sticks.
Despite conceding three goals, Potter could keep faith with a back three of Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, and Nayef Aguerd.
Lucas Paqueta promised West Ham supporters a great season after his pitiful display in the North East, and will be expected to step up his performance against Chelsea.
West Ham showed early promise against Sunderland
They capitulated in the second half
A response is expected on home soil
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf could be bright sparks and should play out wide for the Hammers.
In midfield, Tomas Soucek could partner James Ward-Prowse, with Guido Rodriguez dropping to the bench.
Of course, Jarrod Bowen will captain his side, having been a rare threat against Sunderland, with Paqueta and Wilson around him in the final third.
Read more: Two West Ham midfielders worryingly among Premier League worst for crucial metric
West Ham predicted lineup to face Chelsea
(Credit: Breaking Media)
Graham Potter to give West Ham players another chance
While many will be expecting Potter to make multiple changes to his starting lineup, he is lacking depth within his squad.
Soucek should add some steel to the midfield, and Wilson will work hard, but beyond that, there is not much quality.
Of course, there is a chance that any one of the Irons’ back three could be dropped, with Konstantinos Mavrapanos waiting in the wings.
Potter does not have quality players to bring into his starting 11
He may be forced to make just a couple of changes
Alarm bells should be ringing for more signings
Many would like to see Freddie Potts or George Earthy, but the latter has been sidelined because of an ankle ligament injury in pre-season.
However, this is a sign that West Ham need signings fast if they are to compete in the Premier League.
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