Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1) vs West Ham, Palmer starts

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January 31, 2026 15:46 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Chelsea welcome West Ham United in today’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are on a two-match winning league streak and are favourites to beat the Hammers.

They can temporarily jump to fourth ahead of Manchester United with a draw or a win in the derby.

Ahead of the game, manager Liam Rosenior could make a few changes.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Robert Sanchez is an undisputed starter in goal for the Blues.

Reece James and Wesley Fofana could be rested to manage their workloads. Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are likely to start in central defence.

Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella are sure candidates for the full-back roles, and the same can be said for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in central midfield.

Andrey Santos will drop to the bench.

Cole Palmer bagged a couple of assists coming off the bench against Napoli in midweek. The Englishman should occupy the number 10 role for the London giants.

Further forward, there could be one change. Estevao could drop to the bench. Pedro Neto is likely to start on the right wing with Alejandro Garnacho on the other end.

Joao Pedro netted a brace against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday, and he is likely to continue upfront ahead of Liam Delap and Marc Guiu again.

Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-2-3-1) vs West Ham: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.