It’s no more Mr Nice Guy for Graham Potter as he returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his doomed seven-month spell in charge of the club back in 2022-23. East London’s West Ham travel west to face Cheslea. Confusing we know.
By Alex Roberts
Enzo Maresca has had a week to mull over their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Champions League qualification rivals Man City in their previous fixture, and it’s fair to say he has some serious decisions to make.
Potter has only had four games at West Ham since replacing Julen Lopetegui, and they’ve been a mixed bag. A decent win over Fulham was quickly forgotten when they lost to Crystal Palace. Their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last week was another good result, but that doesn’t mean they’ll get another today.
It’s OK to admit when you’re wrong, Enzo
The Italian has backed Robert Sánchez to the hilt all season, but he seriously struggled to look on the bright side after the goalkeeper’s performance in the defeat to Man City, admitting he doesn’t know if the Spaniard will keep his place beyond this season.
For many Chelsea fans, the prospect of him staying between the sticks for the next few months is daunting, especially considering no goalkeeper has made more mistakes leading to a goal in the Premier League this campaign.
Filip Jörgensen is the only viable option to replace Sanchez currently with the squad, although they do have a couple lads out on loan who could do a decent job, including Djordje Petrovic, who supplanted him last season. If Maresca is going to pull the trigger on Sánchez, he needs to do it soon.
Aaron Wan Maldini
The great Italian one said, “If I have to make a tackle, then I’ve already made a mistake. Wan-Bissaka doesn’t quite subscribe to that school of thinking, but he may well be one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League.
He’s only been dribbled past five times throughout his 22 Premier League appearances, that’s pretty decent going for a defender playing for a side in the bottom half of the table. The thing is, even if you do somehow get past him, he ain’t letting you go.
With 115 recoveries, 30 tackles won, and 41 interceptions made, whoever Maresca plays against him, likely Jadon Sancho, will have to be at their tricky best.
Nicolas Jackson needs a goal
Jackson was arguably the best forward in the league earlier in the season, but it’s been a while since he bagged, seven games to be precise, and old questions about his ability to lead the line for top four side are starting to pop up again.
He had a hand in all of Chelsea’s goals the last time they met West Ham, scoring a brace and providing the assist for Cole Palmer’s goal.
His hold up play and ability to create space for his teammates remains the most important aspect of his game but improving in front of goal need to be a priority, although we’ve been saying that for some time now.
They just can’t seem to get it right!
West Ham’s luck with striker signings is unfathomably bad. The club had signed a remarkable 52 forwards since David Gold and David Sullivan took over all the way back in 2010, and Niclas Füllkrug appears to be the latest of numerous big investments.
Potter was forced to play Mohammed Kudus up top in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa because of the German’s injury, and he played well, completing more dribbles than any other player (6) and ending his game with a 100% pass accuracy rate.
Still, they need a focal point, and a deal for Evan Ferguson is reportedly progressing. He’ young, had injury issues, and is incredibly raw, but he really can’t be any worse than what they’ve had for the past 15 years.
Prediction
Sorry Chelsea fans, we think it’s going to be another frustrating night for you, we’re going to go with a 1-1 draw at the Bridge.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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