West Ham – Chelsea: Preview and Highest Odds

As mentioned, Dawson’s two yellow cards in the Newcastle defeat means that he is suspended for this fixture, so Fabian Balbuena could deputise at the back if Aaron Cresswell fails to overcome a thigh problem in time. Recent reports regarding Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku’s fitness have not been positive, so Ben Johnson could start on the left once again, while star man Lingard was also forced off at St James’ Park but is not thought to be carrying anything more serious than cramp. Chelsea-linked Declan Rice will not get the opportunity to impress against his former club as he nurses a knee problem, while Michail Antonio remains on the long-term absentee list for the hosts. As for the Blues, Mateo Kovacic’s hamstring problem is the only major concern for Tuchel, who should be able to call upon Thiago Silva after he sat out the goalless stalemate with Brighton. Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell also enjoyed rare rests in midweek and the duo should displace Kurt Zouma and Marcos Alonso this weekend, while N’Golo Kante is another player who is surely set to earn a recall to the first XI. Kante’s return could push Mason Mount further forward as Hakim Ziyech makes way, while Timo Werner is aiming to displace Christian Pulisic on the left-hand side of the attack. Kepa Arrizabalaga kept Edouard Mendy out of the team for the visit of Brighton, but the former Rennes man will likely return in between the sticks this weekend.