Chelsea badge in a circular inset, Graham Potter looking frustrated
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Thu 21 August 2025 11:10, UK
West Ham will be looking to rebound against Chelsea after suffering a poor defeat at the hands of Sunderland last the weekend.
Graham Potter will be looking to get a response from his squad as he comes up against his old side in Chelsea, with Potter facing some pressure as West Ham boss already.
The Hammers play their first game at the London Stadium on Friday night, but if they are handily beaten by their London rivals, then the atmosphere within the ground could turn toxic very quickly.
Before West Ham’s first home game of the Premier League campaign, West Ham Zone brings you the latest team news, predicted lineups and a score prediction.
Graham Potter on the touchline in West Ham training gear.
Potter needs to turn things around at West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Form guide (All competitions)
West Ham: LDWWL
Chelsea: DWWWW
Team news
Callum Wilson could be in line to make his first start for West Ham after Niclas Fullkrug struggled to make an impact at the Stadium of Light.
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El Hadji Malick Diouf was perhaps the only shining light in what was a dismal display in the north east, meaning he is likely to keep his place at left-wing back.
Thomas Soucek could potentially replace Guido Rodriguez in the Hammers’ engine room to freshen things up.
Reports suggest that Tosin Adarabioyo will still be a doubt for Chelsea before the Friday night fixture, meaning Josh Acheampong and Trevor Chalobah could keep their place in the heart of the Blues’ defence after their clean sheet against Palace.
Similar to Fullkrug, Joao Pedro struggled over the weekend, perhaps opening the door for Liam Delap to come in and take his place.
Jamie Gittens was hooked after 54 minutes in favour of Estevao Willian, and the Brazilian may now start at the London Stadium.
Predicted lineups
West Ham: Hermansen, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Diouf, Paqueta, Wilson, Bowen
Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Estevao, Delap
West Ham predicted line up vs Chelsea
Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
The 3-0 defeat at Sunderland would have absolutely crushed morale in the West Ham changing room after being beaten by a newly promoted side.
With Chelsea being held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace, they will also be eager to get their season firmly up and running after impressing in the Club World Cup over the summer.
Expect Enzo Fernandez to give the visitors the lead before Jarrod Bowen draws West Ham level.
As West Ham’s wing-backs push on, there will be spaces for Cole Palmer to exploit, and the England international could prove to be the difference between the two sides as he rifles past a helpless Mads Hermansen.
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