Enzo Maresca grins menacingly at Graham Potter.
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Fri 22 August 2025 17:25, UK
West Ham endured a horror show in their Premier League opener and will be looking to make amends against Chelsea.
Sunderland dismantled Graham Potter’s side in the second half at the Stadium of Light, with many questions to be answered.
It does not get any easier as Chelsea visit the London Stadium, and the home supporters will be expecting a response.
Now, Gabby Agbonlahor has delivered a damning verdict on what he thinks will happen in East London.
Graham Potter on the touchline in West Ham training gear.
Potter will be hoping for a different result against the Blues (Credit: Imago)
Gabby Agbonlahor predicts West Ham to struggle against Chelsea
Opta’s supercomputer has predicted West Ham to lose to Chelsea, and that will be many people’s expectation.
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The Hammers showed some early promise against the Black Cats, with El Hadji Malick Diouf and Jarrod Bowen looking threatening.
However, in the second half, Potter’s men capitulated, and the midfield came in for significant criticism.
West Ham created some dangerous opportunities in the first half
Sunderland were aerially dominant and scored two headers
The Hammers disappeared in the second period
As for Chelsea, they were fortunate to come away with a draw after Eberechi Eze had his goal ruled out by VAR.
Indeed, it seemed that the Blues were nursing something of a hangover after their FIFA Club World Cup success.
Now, Agbonlahor has had his say on how he thinks the Irons will fare while speaking on talkSPORT (22 August, 06:13am).
“If you look at last week, Sunderland played them off the park, Sunderland comfortably beat them…” said Agbonlahor.
“West Ham better be careful, and I’ve got a bad feeling about tonight, Al.
“I feel the fans aren’t happy about what’s going on at West Ham, the manager saying they’re nervous, this could easily be three or four nil tonight.”
Read more: West Ham early team news vs Chelsea: Attacker ruled out as George Earthy update shared
What must Graham Potter do to beat Chelsea?
Personal pride is on the line for Potter against Chelsea as he could break an unwanted record at the East London club.
On paper, it does not get any harder than a clash with the Blues; however, what can they do to topple their rivals?
The first thing the manager must do is inject some energy into his midfield as James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez, and Lucas Paqueta looked lethargic.
Secondly, he must get Bowen and Diouf on the ball in dangerous areas as they posed a real threat in the first half against the Black Cats.
Aerially, Sunderland were dominant, and Potter must devise a plan to win aerial duels against the Blues.
Potter has struggled to pick up points at home
The West Ham fans could turn on their team and the manager
They have a tough run of fixtures coming up
Chelsea were not exactly great against Crystal Palace, and if they replicate that performance, then there is some hope for the Irons.
However, if Potter’s men do not show up, then it could be as humiliating as Agbonlahor predicts.
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