Chelsea will look to do the double over West Ham and go 8th in the league as they come up against relegation candidates West Ham, at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea’s last league win came almost a month ago, at home to Crystal Palace in what was a fairly stale 1-0 win.
Chelsea beat West Ham 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge, in what turned out to be Thomas Tuchel’s last league game as Chelsea manager.
Here are three tasty battles that we think you should keep an eye out for…
Enzo Fernandez vs Declan Rice
It’s fair to say Fernandez produced what was an assured and convincing display against Fulham on last weeks Friday Night Football. His technical security and physical presence in midfield was something that the Chelsea midfield has been lacking for many years.
He made the most tackles (eight) and produced eight passes into the final third. His qualities, especially considering the midfield injury issues Graham Potter has had to endure, will be hugely needed in what will be a feisty encounter against West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Games are often won and lost in the midfield and this one may well prove to be no different. West Ham may well sit deep in a low block but will look to hurt Chelsea on the counter attack and Rice’s ball-carrying ability and tendency to drive through the pitch will be an outlet David Moyes will expectedly look to make the most of.
This will be another test and welcome to English Football for Fernandez, after coming up against defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha who was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Chelsea’s hopes of coming away with the three points from West Ham will be massively boosted, should Fernandez gain control of the midfield and sustain pressure in the opposition’s half.
Benoit Badiashile vs Michail Antonio
Badiashile’s qualities were quickly evident in his debut display against Crystal Palace. The left-footed centre-back has played so well since that you could argue it remains to be seen as to how summer signing, Kalidou Koulibaly will look to make his way back into the team.
The 6’4 Frenchman has more to his game than bulldozing attackers and winning aerial duels. He is a physically dominant defender who has a burst of pace which will be huge, especially against the likes of Antonio and Jared Bowen in defensive transitions.
Although it will be no easy test for him, coming up against West Ham’s Antonio. The striker, who’s future at West Ham is currently uncertain, has failed to carry on his form from last season where he netted 10 goals in the league alone.
Despite his poor form in front of goal, he will still be expected to pose a few threats up one-on-one against Badiashile but a battle the Frenchman is likely to get the better of, considering his seamless adaptation to the Premier League so far.
Reece James vs Emerson
A battle that may not be as exciting as the two above, but one which could certainly be a side where Chelsea look to find their joy.
Reece James is a integral part of the Chelsea team. Whether its in a back three as a right wing-back or in a back four as a right-back, his ability going forward has been a huge source for Chelsea’s success in chance creation and conversion. Since the 21/22 season, Reece James’ absence has been very quickly felt on rest of the team.
Chelsea’s reliance on Reece James to create and score may well decrease now due to the return of Joao Felix who will pose threats centrally. Coming up against Emerson, who of course knows James well from his time at Stamford Bridge – he will be expected to get better of the Italian in 1v1 scenarios and in physical duels.
Written by Vik (@CFCVik)
Edited by Tom Coley (@tomcoley49)
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