Chelsea takes on West Ham and whilst the Blues line-up is not as tantalising as I would have liked, I'm more concerned with the fact that Declan Rice is not starting for the Hammers.
After rejecting another proposal from the Hammers earlier this week, Chelsea are one step closer to making their Rice transfer a reality. There's just one or two stumbling blocks in the way. Firstly, they need to confirm a new owner. Secondly, they must overcome the transfer battle that they will inevitably have with the East Londoners. And lastly, and the most pressing, they need to beat West Ham today.
Thomas Tuchel opts for Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Chalobah; Loftus-Cheek, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Havertz and Werner.
Read More: Confirmed Chelsea team vs West Ham – James ruled out, Christensen starts, Havertz makes return
I cannot say that I am surprised by the selection given the absence of Antonio Rudiger and Mateo Kovacic. It looks like Chelsea has gone for a back four, making a more traditional 4-3-3 formation. This is usually where Hakim Ziyech thrives, but the Moroccan was only able to make it on the Chelsea bench. I expect Ziyech to make an appearance during the game as his wicked left foot could be used to unlock the West Ham defence.
On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel could be opting for a 3-4-3, mimicking the style used against Real Madrid in Chelsea's Champions quarter-final second leg. Ruben Loftus-Cheek assumed a hybrid role in midfield and as wingback which proved successful for the Cobham graduate. The integration of Jorginho into the starting line-up coupled with N'golo Kante, may be the indication that Tuchel will be looking to take this route against this tough West Ham side.
Tuchel's consistency with Timo Werner seems to be working, so why not start him. again? Having scored in all of Chelsea's last three matches, the German has turned his luck around. Other than Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, I couldn't think of a more reliable forward in recent times to start this match for the Blues.
Edouard Mendy will be looking to put in a stellar performance to cover up his nightmare first meet against the Hammers in December. A couple of blunders from the Senegalese keeper caused the Blues to lose to their London rivals, 3-2. Not something that Chelsea need right now.
All in all a positive line-up, and a smart selection from the boss. Let's go and get those all-important 3 points.
