Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confused in West Ham dugout and Liam Delap looking angry.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Fri 22 August 2025 8:40, UK
Enzo Maresca could make two changes when his Chelsea side travels to West Ham on Friday.
The FIFA Club World Cup champions will be confident after witnessing West Ham’s 3-0 loss to Sunderland on the opening weekend.
Jarrod Bowen has called for a reaction from his West Ham teammates, but the Stamford Bridge outfit will be keen to bounce back from their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Here, West Ham Zone predicts how the visitors might line up at the London Stadium on 22 August.
Graham Potter on the touchline in West Ham training gear.
Graham Potter needs a win against his former club. (Credit: Imago)
Enzo Maresca makes two changes for West Ham vs Chelsea
Robert Sanchez was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this summer, but he is expected to start between the sticks against them.
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Reece James is predicted to start on the right-hand side of defence, with Marc Cucurella on the opposite flank.
The first change for Maresca could come at centre-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo expected to be fit enough to partner Trevor Chalobah.
That would leave young starlet Josh Acheampong on the bench, alongside Wesley Fofana, with Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile both out with injuries.
At the base of midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are predicted to retain their places in the starting line-up, with Cole Palmer in the number 10 role.
Romeo Lavia is set to miss out with an injury.
Chelsea predicted XI vs West Ham
Chelsea predicted XI vs West Ham
West Ham will have to face Liam Delap
Delap scored against the Hammers for Ipswich in a 4-1 loss last season, and he might be handed an opportunity to lead the line this time around.
He replaced Joao Pedro in the 73rd minute against Palace and may be given the chance to show what he can do against Potter’s side in a potential second change.
Pedro created zero chances and just 0.02 expected assists vs Palace
He had just 23 touches against the Eagles
He completed neither of his two dribble attempts
Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens are predicted to reprise their roles on the wings for the clash in East London.
Both sides need to come away with all three points after disappointing starts to the campaign, and the Blues will fancy their chances with their attacking strength.
However, given the former Brighton man’s inefficiency against the Eagles, Delap may be the solution against Potter’s side.
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