Chelsea are currently gearing up towards tomorrow’s Premier League match away to rivals West Ham.
The Blues make a short trip across London on Saturday afternoon to face West Ham, as fourth hosts first.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appear to be in their own mini league right now with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table.
However, upcoming opponents West Ham are the best of the rest sat in fourth and have proven several times they’re a dangerous team when they play near their maximum.
Here The Chelsea Chronicle predicts the starting line-up that Tuchel will name tomorrow, which includes four changes from the XI that started in Wednesday’s 2-1 win against Watford.
Watertight Chelsea defence
The Blues did leak one goal against Watford in midweek, but have conceded only six times in 14 league matches this season.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is a safe bet to continue in net. In addition, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger may continue in the back three.
However, the first of four changes could see Thiago Silva replace teammate Trevoh Chalobah, who was forced off injured against Watford.
Makeshift midfield
Jorginho was given a rest this week, so expect him to be recalled to the starting XI to bring some much-needed experience against West Ham.
Elsewhere, it could be very similar personnel to the Watford game. Of course, Chelsea fans will hope for a positive injury update from Tuchel on Friday regarding the fitness of players like N’Golo Kante and Reece James.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could remain in the XI. Also, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso get another chance at wing-back.
Two changes in attack
Mason Mount has surely cemented his spot in the XI for this weekend after scoring and assisting against Watford.
However, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz may drop out of the line-up.
In particular, £150,000-a-week forward Havertz would be very unfortunate to be dropped. Blues manager Tuchel was extremely complimentary of the German after his midweek contribution, but surely Romelu Lukaku won’t be kept on the bench any longer after a couple of cameo performances.
Lukaku, along with in-form Callum Hudson-Odoi, are two more players promoted to the XI to freshen up the side for a quick turnaround in games.
Predicted line-up
Mendy
Christensen Silva Rudiger
Azpilicueta Jorginho Loftus-Cheek Alonso
Mount Lukaku Hudson-Odoi
In: Thiago Siva, Jorginho, Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi
Out: Trevoh Chalobah, Saul Niguez, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz
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