Chelsea travel to West Ham on Saturday in search of three points and some momentum as they look to kick on into the second part of the season. The Blues are unbeaten in three matches but have only won once in 2023 and take on a West Ham side who have had struggles of their own.
David Moyes' team lie 17th in the table but come into the fixture having defeated Everton and earned a point away to Newcastle. The Irons have only tasted victory once in the Premier League since the division's return from the World Cup, however.
Graham Potter will remain without up to eight players for the clash, despite the riches gathered in the January transfer market. Raheem Sterling is the latest figure on the injury list having picked up a knee issue in training.
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Potter said in his press conference: "They are getting closer and closer. Wesley has been training with the team, Denis has been training with the team. We've had a little setback with Raheem, he is doubtful. He got a kick in training at the side of his knee. Mateo is training with the team but it'll be too soon for him."
The Blues boss will still have difficult decisions to make, however, as Joao Felix is once again eligible to play having served his three-match suspension.
Here is how football.london Chelsea writers Adam Newson and Scott Trotter view Potter's selection issues ahead of the trip to the London Stadium.
Adam Newson
Midfield remains the big problem for Graham Potter with Mateo Kovacic not ready to return, Denis Zakaria still overcoming his thigh issue, N’Golo Kante still on the way back from hamstring surgery, and Jorginho now an Arsenal player.
I would set Chelsea up in a 4-2-3-1 shape and Enzo Fernandez would be one of the deeper midfielders, although long-term I’d want the Argentine further forward. Who partners the Blues’ club-record signing is not easy but I feel the energy of Conor Gallagher could prove important in what is usually a hotly-contested London derby.
The backline somewhat picks itself. Reece James should start at right-back - but not complete the 90 minutes - while Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile have to be the central defenders given their blossoming partnership. I would start Lewis Hall at left-back and introduce Ben Chilwell in the second period.
The now-available Joao Felix has to come into the frontline and I’d play him in a free role; Mason Mount has struggled for form this season and would come out of the side.
I would hand a start to Noni Madueke on the right flank and with Raheem Sterling a doubt and Christian Pulisic sidelined, I would give Mykhailo Mudryk another start on the left. Kai Havertz could then lead the attack - and a big performance is required by the German.
Adam's XI : Kepa, James, Silva, Badiashile, Hall; Fernandez, Gallagher; Madueke, Felix, Mudryk; Havertz.
Scott Trotter
The impact of Joao Felix in his debut against Fulham, the red card not withstanding, is difficult to ignore now the Atletico Madrid loanee is once again available. The Portuguese international found more opportunities in the match than his teammates have been able to before or after, which makes him an instant starter.
However, the 23-year-old's introduction could put additional pressure on a Chelsea midfield that is currently lacking bodies, particularly if Mason Mount is the man to make way. The England international formed a midfield three with Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher against Fulham in Chelsea's last outing.
Record Chelsea signing Fernandez will start once again and look to build upon his debut, with Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek fighting for a place alongside him. To facilitate Felix most appropriately, a two-man midfield may be favoured.
Graham Potter utilised a back three on Felix's last start and could do so again. Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile have emerged as a certainty in defence following their three clean sheets in a row and could be joined by Trevoh Chalobah to their right so as not to disrupt that partnership.
Reece James will be set to start as his continues his way back to full fitness, perhaps earning a smidge more than the 60 minutes he did against the Cottagers and he could be paired with Ben Chilwell, who could earn his first start after returning as a late substitute last time out.
Kai Havertz is set to lead the line once again and can dovetail in partnership with Felix and then a tough decision over whether Mount provides support to Chelsea's midfield or a more attacking option is used in the form of Mykhailo Mudryk or Noni Madueke. For excitement's sake, Mudryk will continue his bid to reach full fitness, though Potter may be more inclined to choose Mount.
Scott's XI: Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Badiashile; James, Fernandez, Gallagher, Chilwell; Mudryk, Felix, Havertz.
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