There's no getting away from the fact Chelsea have endured a poor season thus far. There has been little reason for optimism on the pitch over the course of the first 21 matches of the Premier League season, with Graham Potter's side ninth in the table having already been knocked out of both domestic cups by Manchester City.
The club has undergone some transformation since the summer takeover and seen a new head coach and a mass of injuries, in addition to a number of behind the scenes changes over the last six months. Nevertheless, more will have been expected and £600million being spent since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali comes with it's own expectations, even with a great deal of understanding.
It almost goes without seeing that much of Chelsea's squad have been below their best. Now with a more bloated squad and vast competition for places, many will have a point to prove both for a place in the team against West Ham but also for their futures.
