Chelsea’s campaign is all but over following consecutive eliminations from the Champions League as well as the FA Cup and the Blues have nothing to play for from now till the end of the season.
That said, manager Guus Hiddink will surely be urging his players to finish the campaign with some pride in tact and perhaps give the suffering fans of the club something to be optimistic about heading into next year.
Chelsea have a host of tough games coming up in the Premier League though and the clash against high flying West Ham United this weekend is sure to be another huge test for the soon to be former champions of England.
Here is the strongest possible Chelsea lineup for the clash against West Ham United –
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois has not been enjoying the best of spells in recent times and while he was not at fault for the two goals Chelsea conceded against Everton, the Belgian international has been struggling to keep clean sheets.
Now up against the dangerous West Ham United attacking lineup this weekend, one can be sure that Courtois will need to put in a much improved performance in order to keep his first shutout in ten matches.
Defence
John Terry made his 700th appearance for Chelsea after coming on as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat against Everton last weekend. The match was certainly not the most auspicious ones for Terry but he will surely want to make up for it in the clash against West Ham.
Terry’s return at the heart of the defence alongside Gary Cahill could spark a complete reshuffle in the Chelsea backline, with Branislav Ivanovic moving to right back, Cesar Azpilicueta shifting to left back and Kenedy dropping down to the bench.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel started at the middle of the park for Chelsea during the clash against Everton and with Eden Hazard still a doubt; the duo could retain their place in the lineup as Cesc Fabregas is moved into a more advanced position.
Pedro and Willian look certainties to be starting on the wide positions during the clash and the two stars will have to put in much improved performances on the day following disappointing outings against Everton last time out.
Oscar and Ruben Loftus-Cheek remain options for Chelsea in midfield if Hiddink decides to change things around for the clash.
Attack
Diego Costa is suspended for the game after picking up a red card against Everton and there is a real possibility that young Bertrand Traore could feature on the day.
Alexandre Pato has not featured at all since signing for Chelsea and there could surely be no harm in giving either him or Loic Remy a chance to start as well.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
