Chelsea travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in their second game of the season.
The Blues had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in their opener, and it has to be said that they were not at their best.
Enzo Maresca will want his side to step up when they take on the Hammers on Friday night – Paul Merson has even backed Chelsea to pick up a narrow win.
We expect the Blues boss to make two changes from the draw against the Eagles.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs West Ham United
Chelsea have won each of their last three games against West Ham United, and the aim will be to make it four in four.
Maresca has a few calls to make, but it’s a straightforward decision in goal – Robert Sanchez is expected to start again after his clean sheet against Crystal Palace.
In front of him, we expect Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella to keep their place in the side, but Josh Acheampong, despite his impressive display last weekend, is likely to be benched.
That’s because Maresca has confirmed that Tosin Adarabioyo, who was once hailed as ‘special‘ by Marco Silva, will be available after missing the game against Palace.
The midfield will be the same again – Enzo Fernandez will partner Moises Caicedo in the centre with Cole Palmer starting in the advanced role.
We expect Pedro Neto to keep his place in the side, and although Merson wanted Joao Pedro dropped, we think Maresca will start him again.
Instead of Jamie Gittens, however, we think Estevao will get a start after his impressive cameo against the Eagles.
READ MORE:West Ham’s predicted XI vs Chelsea as Graham Potter makes key midfield change and decision on Callum Wilson
A generated image of the potential Chelsea starting lineup against West Ham United
Credit: GRV Media
Enzo Maresca says he expects a tough game against West Ham
As mentioned earlier, Chelsea have won each of their last three games against West Ham.
The Blues have scored 10 goals and conceded just once in those fixtures, and that is why they will go into the game as the favourites against their old manager, Graham Potter.
However, Maresca is not taking the game lightly.
He said in his press conference: “Tough game again. All the Premier League games, they are tough, they are difficult.
“If you remember the game at home last year was a difficult game for us. They defended very well. Tomorrow I expect exactly the same.
“And again, the Premier League just started, so you can see that they are trying to find some solution in the same way we are doing.”