Said Benrahma to be dropped as one of two changes – Predicted West Ham XI v Chelsea
West Ham manager David Moyes could make changes for Saturday’s game against Chelsea at the London Stadium.
The Hammers host the Blues as they look to end their worst run of form of the season so far, having picked up just one point from their last three matches.
The team were uninspiring in the 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night (1 December), so Moyes could wield the axe for their second game in the space of 72 hours.
The Scot has made the fewest lineup changes in the Premier League this season so do not expect radical switches, but something different is needed against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Lukasz Fabianski has played every minute in the Premier League this season so will keep his place in goal.
Aaron Cresswell missed the draw against Brighton through injury, but it is hoped that he will be able to return for Saturday’s crucial fixture.
The 31-year-old would come back in at left-back to allow Ben Johnson to move back to the right, meaning Vladimir Coufal would drop out of the side.
In the centre of defence, Craig Dawson should continue to partner former Blue Kurt Zouma ahead of Issa Diop.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, fresh from scoring his first goal since the opening day of the season, will start in holding midfield.
There could then be a change further up the field. Said Benrahma has struggled to make an impact in recent weeks and has not scored in his last nine matches, being substituted off in seven of those.
The Algerian could perhaps do with being taken out of the starting lineup and Moyes has hinted that Manuel Lanzini could begin to feature more.
“Manu is starting to find some pretty good form I’ve got to say,” the Scot said after Lanzini came off the bench to score against Manchester City last week (28 December).
“He’s a really important part of the team and we’ll keep using him where we see the right time and the right place.”
If the Argentine is handed a start, he would start in the centre of the attacking midfield three, with Pablo Fornals moving over to the left. Jarrod Bowen should keep his place on the right.
Upfront, Michail Antonio is out of form and has not scored since October, but with few alternatives, the Jamaican is expected to continue leading the line.
Here’s how we expect West Ham to line up against Chelsea, with two changes being made.
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