Chelsea is heading into their Premier League clash against West Ham on August 23, 2025, with manager Enzo Maresca providing on the assumption of a critical team news ahead of the London derby at the London Stadium. The Blues, sitting mid-table after a mixed start to the 2025/26 season, aim to build and form a momentum following a 2-1 Conference League win over Anderlecht. With injuries impacting and somewhat ramming up the squad, Maresca’s latest updates set the stage for a pivotal encounter. Here’s the latest on the Chelsea and West Ham preview, setting forth the injuries, potential lineups, and tactical insights.
Maresca’s Injury Updates and Squad Status
Maresca confirmed that Tosin Adarabioyo is available after recovering from a minor knock, bolstering and strengthening up Chelsea’s defensive options. However, Levi Colwill, Reece James, and Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined and shelved, with Colwill’s absence prompting Chelsea to explore a €50m move for Barcelona’s Jules Koundé to reinforce their backline.
Maresca expressed confidence, trust and credence over his squad’s depth, noting, “We have players ready to step up,” as reported by Chelsea’s official website. Youngster Josh Acheampong could feature at right-back, while Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi are likely and possibly to anchor the defense. The absence of some key players can underscore and stress out Chelsea’s need for stability, especially after recent squad trimming to fund summer transfers.
The latest team news from Maresca ahead of our trip to West Ham. 👇
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2025
Tactical Approach Against West Ham
West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, have shown resilience and durability, earning a 1-1 draw against Fulham FC last week. Their attacking and ambushing threat, led by Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, poses a challenge for Chelsea’s depleted and drained defense. Maresca highlighted a high-pressing, possession-based approach, with Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke expected to drive and steer the attack.
Moises Caicedo, who has started and went ahead with all four league games this season, will be crucial in midfield to counter and check West Ham’s physicality. Posts on X spotlights Chelsea fans’ optimism and confidence about Palmer’s form, with one user noting, “Cole’s creativity could unlock West Ham’s backline”. However, concerns linger about Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially with Colwill’s injury prompting transfer interest in Koundé.
Chelsea’s Season Context and West Ham’s Form
Chelsea’s inconsistent and at an add start—two wins, a draw, and a loss—puts pressure on Maresca to deliver against a West Ham side that has won only once in their opening four matches. The Hammers’ home advantage and upper hand as well as Lopetegui’s tactical nous make this a tricky and delicate fixture. Chelsea’s recent 3-0 loss to Manchester City exposed and revealed their defensive frailties, and Maresca will lean on Fofana’s 2.1 tackles per game and Caicedo’s 88% passing accuracy to stabilize, balance and secure the team. West Ham’s Bowen, with three goals this season, remains a danger and an uncertainty, as much it can be predicted and foresee on a tight contest.
Key Players and Potential Game-Changers
Palmer, with four goals and two assists in the league, is Chelsea’s talisman and charm, while Nicolas Jackson’s pace could exploit and make use of West Ham’s high line. For the Hammers, Kudus’s dribbling (3.2 per game) and Lucas Paquetá’s vision will test Chelsea’s resolve. Maresca’s decision to integrate and combine the younger talents like Acheampong reflects his long-term and prolonged vision, but immediate results are quite crucial and pivotal for them to appease fans and the board. Chelsea’s recent sales of players like Renato Veiga have freed funds, but the focus now is on performance, staging and presentation.
Author’s Note
This Chelsea and West Ham preview will exhilarate the football fan of intense derbies. Maresca’s injury challenges test his squad’s depth and intensity, but Palmer and Caicedo could tilt the game. West Ham’s home form makes them dangerous and vicious, yet Chelsea’s attacking flair gives them a perpetual edge. For now, we can back and ascertain a narrow Blues win, with Palmer stealing the show.