Chelsea can be hoping to safe their first three factors of the 2023/24 season once they make the brief journey throughout London to face West Ham. Mauricio Pochettino’s facet confirmed loads of promise in opposition to Liverpool final weekend, although the Argentine now has a number of points to weigh up when choosing his beginning XI to face the Hammers. Express Sport takes a have a look at how Pochettino may deploy his Chelsea troops…

Goalkeeper: Sanchez

Newly-acquired shot-stopper Robert Sanchez is prone to begin between the sticks in opposition to David Moyes’ facet, with the Spaniard missing any true competitors for the No 1 spot because it stands. The 25-year-old made a number of errors on his Chelsea debut however per week again alongside coach Ben Roberts, who additionally left Brighton for Stamford Bridge, may do him the facility of fine.

Defence: Disasi, Silva, Colwill

The true thriller for Moyes heading into this match can be whether or not Pochettino returns to a again 4, as utilized in pre-season, or continues with a 3-5-2. If the ex-Tottenham boss opts for the latter, it's onerous to see him reshuffling his backline on condition that Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella are the 2 alternate options and Chelsea are hopeful of promoting the duo.

Midfield: Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell

An damage to Reece James implies that Malo Gusto is a shoo-in at proper wing-back, and his attacking prowess may see him thrive within the function. However, Pochettino has extra of a conundrum in central midfield.

With new signings Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo each accessible, Chelsea followers can be hopeful of seeing their new recruits. The latter has been probably the greatest midfielders within the Premier League over the previous 12 months and appears the likelier participant to fit in alongside Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher.

Forwards: Jackson, Mudryk

Nicolas Jackson has confirmed to be an actual handful since his arrival at Chelsea, and the Senegal worldwide is a possible contender to guide the road for Pochettino’s facet on Sunday. The 22-year-old has seemed best when partnered with a faster, nimbler sort that is ready to run off him – and he can be eager for Christopher Nkunku to return from his damage.

Until that time, Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk are the 2 battling it out for that second striker function. The latter has loads of tempo and could possibly be a greater match up in opposition to the West Ham defence.