Potter axes midfielder amid Bowen news – West Ham predicted XI v Chelsea
West Ham United could welcome back Jarrod Bowen in one of two changes made by Graham Potter as he takes his team to former club Chelsea.
The Irons head across London to Stamford Bridge in a Monday night encounter (3 February) and Bowen – who has been absent since before the turn of the year against Liverpool – could be ready for an eagerly anticipated return.
Potter said in his press conference he was “hopeful” Bowen could be back on the field against Chelsea having returned to full training (West Ham United FC, 30 January), with a hope that Lucas Paqueta can also make the game having missed several days’ sessions at Rush Green.
The Hammers have high hopes for their talismanic captain’s return, and Potter could be expected to shuffle his pack to accommodate the main man to lead the line.
West Ham could make two changes v Chelsea
Just like in their tricky trip to Aston Villa last Sunday (26 January) – a game from which they were actually unfortunate not to win – West Ham are likely to play it cautiously with their shape as Potter returns to his old stomping ground.
Another back five would not be surprising, especially given the attacking impact of both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sunday’s scorer Emerson when in possession. Alphonse Areola appears to be staking his claim once again as number one from Lukasz Fabianski and will probably start again here.
In central defence could be where Potter tweaks his side, as Konstantinos Mavropanos returns from suspension. Mavropanos’ right-sidedness could see him likelier to replace Vladimir Coufal on the right of the three centre-halves than Aaron Cresswell on the left. Max Kilman will definitely start at the back.
With Potter having been so far unable to secure an out-and-out striker – which could change in time for Monday’s game – Bowen will likely start up front if he is fit to be thrown straight in. If Paqueta is fit, he and Mohammed Kudus should operate in support while Tomas Soucek drops back into central midfield.
Should that be the case, one of Edson Alvarez or Carlos Soler will have to drop to the bench. The latter seems more viable, with Alvarez – despite concerns over his on-pitch discipline – having stepped up his game to perform excellently against Villa and assist Emerson’s header.
Potter seems to have more options emerging now to make life easier and try and snatch a result from the Bridge – and a new signing or two could make that even more exciting.
In other West Ham news, an update on how the Irons assess forward targets Andre Silva and Evan Ferguson.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.