Chelsea face a potentially decisive match during their season on Saturday afternoon as they travel across London to face the top four rivals West Ham.
The two sides are locked together on 55 points, separated only by goal difference with the Blues in the fourth and Hammers in the fifth.
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A victory for each side would be hugely significant in the draw for the Champions League qualifiers – especially now that it really does matter again after the failed Super League project.
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– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 22, 2021
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel will be looking for a statement victory in this London derby, while thinking of a Champions League semi-final first match against Real Madrid in the middle of the week.
While the German tactician’s choice of team is becoming increasingly difficult to predict, we will in 90 minutes get a crack at it anyway …
Thiago Silva can play Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Edouard Mendy (GK) – Although Kepa Arrizabalaga has started Chelsea’s last two matches, Mendy is still No. 1, and Tuchel has already confirmed that the impressive stopper will return here.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) – After resting against Brighton, the skipper will return and is without a doubt Chelsea’s best option as an overlapping right midfielder in a back three
Thiago Silva (CB) – Thiago has just started to show his age too late, and misses the draw with Brighton in the middle of the week with acute fatigue. He will return here, however, but do not expect him to start against Real Madrid.
Kurt Zouma (CB) – Zouma looked shaky against Brighton last time out, but Tuchel will likely want to keep Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger in reserve for the Champions League semi-final.
Callum Hudson-Odoi should start at right back | Mike Hewitt / Getty Images
Callum Hudson-Odoi (RWB) – Hudson-Odoi’s impressive versatility has gone slightly under the radar this season. He was excellent as a backback against Crystal Palace and should get another chance there as protection for Reece James.
N’Golo Kanté (CM) – Central midfield is an area where Tuchel lacks some depth – especially with Mateo Kovacic injured – so if he does not give a huge surprise by including Billy Gilmour, expect the ubiquitous Frenchman to start.
Jorginho (CM) – In recent weeks, Jorginho has shown that he has put a lot of effort into his ball-playing ability, appreciated the defensive challenge and acted as the deep-seated playmaker. Handed the captain’s bracelet against Brighton.
Ben Chilwell (LWB) – Marcos Alonso got the nod in the middle of the week, but Tuchel has realized that Chilwell is his man for the big moment. It will be huge days for the England man.
Misfiring Timo Werner still gets the nod up Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Hakim Ziyech (RF) – While struggling to create against Brighton, Ziyech has shown that he can provide connecting momentum in recent weeks with crucial goals in the cup competitions against Atlético Madrid and Man City.
Timo Werner (CF) – Once again, Tuchel will weigh up who he wants to rest here and who he wants to face Los Blancos. However, Kai Havertz struggled on Wednesday, and with Craig Dawson injured, Werner’s pace could be the key to a less decided Hammers backline.
Mason Mount (LF) – Mount is the only player in the Chelsea squad who seems quite vague right now. With two big games coming in the space of a few days, it’s hard to imagine Tuchel taking his star man out of the firing line now.
