The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against West Ham

Chelsea will look to get back to winning ways on Monday when they welcome London rivals West Ham United to Stamford Bridge.

Recent defeats to Everton and Wolves have left the Blues down in eighth in the Premier League, with both the squad and Frank Lampard's credentials coming under scrutiny once more, so everyone at Chelsea will know that picking up a win here is a must.

Here's the team Lampard should opt for.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Edouard Mendy (GK) - A few errors in recent games have brought an end to the Mendy hysteria, but he's still clearly the best goalkeeper at Chelsea and his inclusion is a no-brainer.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) - With Reece James nursing a knee injury which may or may not be serious, it's time to give him a rest and bring the reliable Azpilicueta back into the fold.

Thiago Silva (CB) - Silva's experience will be key to getting the Blues out of this mini-rut. He's the level head the rest of his defence need.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - Chelsea's Player of the Season so far? Despite a bumpy performance against Wolves, Zouma fully deserves to keep his place in the team.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - With James likely missing out, Chilwell's athleticism will be needed to give Chelsea some more mobility at the back to counter West Ham's threat.

2. Midfielders

N'Golo Kante (DM) - With Chelsea's defence under scrutiny again, there's no way Kante misses out if he's healthy. Lampard will want another monster performance from the World Cup winner.

Kai Havertz (CM) - Lampard has defended Havertz after a slow start to his Chelsea career and will likely keep him in the starting lineup, but Mateo Kovacic is knocking on the door with some real force.

Mason Mount (CM) - Mount has flourished in his favoured midfield role, winning over a lot of the critics who wanted him out the team last season.

3. Forwards

Christian Pulisic (RW) - Both Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are back in contention for this one but neither will likely be ready to start, meaning Pulisic should keep his place.

Olivier Giroud (ST) - Fans love chopping and changing their opinion on the Giroud/Tammy Abraham debate, but the Frenchman's goal against Wolves should keep him in the starting XI.

Timo Werner (LW) - With Chelsea's wide options still lacking, Werner may have to settle for another appearance on the wing.

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