West Ham predicted XI vs Chelsea as Benrahma returns
West Ham host Chelsea in a massive game at the London Stadium on Saturday and David Moyes will be forced into at least one change.
Craig Dawson is suspended after receiving a red card for two bookable offences last week, with the centre-back making a rare mistake in gifting Newcastle their opening goal.
Numbers are very low in defence, with Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku both missing out at St. James’ Park and still likely to be unavailable for the weekend clash.
Moyes may be unable to play a back five if that is indeed his wish, and we predict a flat back four with Ben Johnson featuring at left-back once again.
There could be changes in attack, however, as Jesse Lingard found space a little difficult to come by in his more advanced role last time out.
Jarrod Bowen is capable of leading the line and should benefit from Lingard and Pablo Fornals playing off him.
On the right flank, we think Benrahma will probably come in, and the Algerian could be the spark West Ham need.
He is a player capable of producing a moment of magic.
We have witnessed that on occasion but his infrequent starts – just 11 in the league so far – mean he has not been able to show his quality on a consistent basis.
He undoubtedly has talent though, with his former manager Thomas Frank describing him as a “magnificent” player [West London Sport].
Chelsea are a very stubborn side and so difficult to break down, they have conceded just nine goals in 20 games under Thomas Tuchel.
West Brom recently exposed their vulnerabilities however and Matheus Pereira was the spark behind their undoing.
Benrahma is not too dissimilar to the Brazilian and on form he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Irons.
Here is how West Ham Zone predicts Moyes to line up on Saturday.
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