View: West Ham predicted starting XI for Premier League clash v Chelsea
West Ham travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday [April 23] to face Chelsea in the Premier League as they look to strengthen their grip on seventh place.
A London derby against the Blues would normally be a huge game for the Hammers but with the Europa League semi-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday [April 28] David Moyes will look to rest his key players.
It is an easy choice between the sticks for the Scot. Lukasz Fabianski will keep his place as the number one choice between the sticks with Alphonse Areola being saved for the first-leg cup clash in midweek.
With the Irons defenders currently in crisis mode, it is a much-changed back four. Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell are rested for Frankfurt with Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku coming in to replace the key duo.
Issa Diop’s season-ending injury hands U23 captain Aji Alese his Premier League debut alongside Craig Dawson – who keeps his place – with no other senior centre-backs fit.
Normal midfield duo Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice will be tasked with protecting the defence with Mark Noble expected to come on in place for his vice-captain to ensure he is well rested for Thursday.
Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals come in for Jarrod Bowen – who needs to be at his best on Thursday – and Nikol Vlasic after his rare start against Burnley. Playmaker Manuel Lanzini retains his place in the attacking midfield.
With Michail Antonio playing almost every game this season, he will be dropped to the bench against Chelsea. Andriy Yarmolenko comes in up top for the Jamaican to ensure he is as sharp as possible for the Europa League showdown.
In other West Ham news, View: The fans are surely relieved after the Irons “confident” stance on the German fans at the London Stadium.
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