Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs West Ham with Sancho and Nkunku calls made

Enzo Maresca has several big decisions ahead of Chelsea's clash with West Ham this afternoon (Saturday).

The Blues bounced back to winning ways last weekend when they beat Bournemouth 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman combined with fellow substitute Jadon Sancho to create the winner, and the duo are firmly in the frame to start at the London Stadium.

Express Sport takes a look at how Chelsea are likely to line up to face the Hammers...

Chelsea's Predicted XI vs West Ham (4-3-3) Goalkeeper: Sanchez

Eyebrows were raised when Maresca declared that Robert Sanchez is his first-choice Premier League goalkeeper, but the Spaniard has since repaid the faith of his manager. The Spaniard gave away a penalty against Bournemouth but got down well to save Evansilson's spot-kick, and he will be hoping that he can build on that momentum over the coming weeks.

Defence: Disasi, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella

With Malo Gusto and Reece James both ruled out through injury, Axel Disasi appears the likeliest candidate to be tasked with filling in at right-back. Wesley Fofana is also an option in the role, though Maresca may not be keen to break him up from fellow centre-back Levi Colwill whilst they are developing their partnership.

Midfield: Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer

Renato Veiga emerged with credit from his display in midfield against Bournemouth but he may drop out of the starting lineup, with Maresca declaring that Enzo Fernandez is fit to return, along with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo remain two of the first names on the team sheet at Stamford Bridge.

Forwards: Sancho, Jackson, Madueke

Maresca reiterated the importance of striking a 'balance' with his frontline, and therefore it is hard to see the Italian dropping Jackson for Nkunku given the height and physical power that he provides.

He also cited that Mykhaylo Mudryk and Sancho are now his left-wing options, and the latter made an impressive debut last weekend and may have done enough to justify a start.

Pedro Neto was withdrawn at half-time to be replaced by the Manchester United loanee, and the Portuguese playmaker may have to settle for a spot on the bench given that Noni Madueke has enjoyed an impressive start to the season