After a football week like no other, everything is to be replayed in the race for a top four finish when West Ham meet Chelsea at London Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.
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Hammer’s journey to become a Champions League challenger has been one of the stories during the 2020/21 season, but their happy ride hit an unexpected bolt last Saturday when David Moye’s side inexplicably conceded three terrible goals in a 3-2 away defeat to Newcastle .
Fortunately, they were not the only ones to slip up – Chelsea, who are currently fourth on goal difference – worked to make a goalless draw against Brighton in the middle of the week, while Liverpool slipped up against entertainers Leeds on Elland Road.
? TEAM NEWS @ JesseLingard: “Jesse had a bit of a cramp in Newcastle, which at the time we did not see was too much of a problem and he is fine.” @ Aaron_Cresswell: “Aaron is getting closer, we will monitor it, see how he feels tomorrow and see how we think.” # WHUCHE
– West Ham United (@WestHam) April 23, 2021
For a huge game against Thomas Tuchel’s side, West Ham are without an influential trio of Declan Rice, Michail Antonio and Arthur Masuaku through injury, while they will probably also be without Aaron Cresswell. Craig Dawson is suspended for the time being after being sent out for two bookable crimes at St James’ Park.
Here are 90 min thoughts on how West Ham should line up in their absence.
Lukasz Fabianski (GK) – Made a terrible gaff against Newcastle that must be thrown away from his mind immediately. Can be a busy man if Chelsea have as much possession as they are expected to do.
Fabian Balbuena (CB) – Craig Dawson’s suspension and Aaron Cresswell’s injury problems make Paraguay a likely start.
Issa Diop (CB) – It was not possible to loosen the legs to prevent a comic own goal against Newcastle but hit back with a nice second half at the right end.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB) – Not the return he had wanted on the side against Newcastle, without seeing the speed and a bit broken. Ogbonna has a huge leadership role to play between now and the end of the season.
Vladimir Coufal (RWB) – Seems to be tapering a bit in terms of form, but that’s hardly unexpected given how good Coufal has been during the campaign. Can have their hands full in defense.
Tomas Soucek (CM) – Does not have the same freedom to strive forward with Declan Rice missing from the side – which highlights how important England’s star defense center is.
Mark Noble (CM) – Maybe not having the physical abilities he once had but Noble’s understanding and reading of the game is what allows him to continue competing at the top level. Must prepare to run the socks against a team that loves to hold the ball.
Ben Johnson (LWB) – A little naive in his defense of Joe Willock’s Newcastle winner but still learning at this level. Has a lot to offer in the future that West Ham must look to take advantage of.
Jarrod Bowen (RW) – Expect lots of position changes from West Ham’s top three and dozens of balls behind for Bowen to chase.
Jesse Lingard (CF) – May be from the left, depending on how Moyes chooses to set up. Is Lingard with nine goals the most formal Premier League player right now? Probably.
Pablo Fornals (LW) – A durable hard worker who needs his best running shoes. Lacks the end product sometimes but Fornals is the key to West Ham’s floating in the last third.
