West Ham welcome Chelsea to the London Stadium in the Premier League on Friday evening, and we’ve got the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of the action.
Chelsea travel across the capital to East London to take on West Ham in the Premier League’s sole Friday night fixture in Gameweek 2, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00.
Both sides failed to secure victories in their openers last week, with the Blues being held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace, while the Hammers fell to a dreadful 3-0 loss against Sunderland.
As it stands, Enzo Maresca’s side are in 11th place in the table, and Graham Potter’s side are 19th.
Chelsea are odds-on favourites to come out on top with UK betting sites. Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro are all among the favourites to score at any time during the match.
Ahead of the action, we at SportsCasting have the latest West Ham vs Chelsea team news and predicted lineups. Read on as we unveil the most likely starting XIs, as well as if there are any injury concerns or suspensions for the fixture.
West Ham vs Chelsea Team News and Predicted Lineups
West Ham Team News
The Hammers have three confirmed absentees for the Blues’ visit on Friday, with Crysencio Summerville (thigh), George Earthy (ankle) and Luis Guilherme (shoulder) missing out.
Edson Alvarez won’t feature either, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Mexican has joined Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce on loan, with an option to buy.
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The midfielder will fly today for medical tests. âïžđčđ·
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â Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2025
Scottish central midfielder Andy Irving could also be omitted amid a potential transfer, with Rangers, Celtic and Wrexham reportedly looking to sign the 25-year-old this summer.
Regardless, changes are expected after last week’s dismal showing at the Stadium of Light.
Callum Wilson, signed as a free agent following his departure from Newcastle in the summer, could force his way into the lineup in place of Niclas Fullkrug, while Tomas Soucek has been tipped to replace Guido Rodriguez in midfield.
Kyle Walker-Peters may also make his competitive debut for the club.
West Ham Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2):
Hermansen (GK)
Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd
Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Diouf
Paqueta
Bowen (C), Wilson
Chelsea Team News
Long-term absentee Levi Colwill is joined on the sidelines by Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended after being charged with doping violations.
Tosin Adarabioyo, meanwhile, is available after missing last week’s clash against Palace.
French central defender Wesley Fofana deleted all evidence of Chelsea from his Instagram in response to online abuse in midweek, but he too could make his return.
Maresca revealed in his press conference: “I speak with Wesley Fofana everyday. He is very, very happy.
“He is joining all the sessions with us. From tomorrow, he is with us and can also get some minutes. We are happy, and he is happy. Instagram, as you know, I don’t have any idea.”
The Italian also confirmed that Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku won’t be involved.
As for the lineup, Pedro is expected to retain his place up front, and will likely joined in attack by Pedro Neto and Palmer, with Jamie Gittens and Estevao battling for the left-wing position.
Their midfield and defence should remain largely unchanged, although Adarabioyo may come straight back into the XI in place of either Trevoh Chalobah or Josh Acheampong.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez (GK)
James (C), Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella
Fernandez, Caicedo
Neto, Palmer, Gittens
Pedro
