Chelsea finished the summer transfer window as the leader in terms of spending, but the question is, does this squad look a quarter of a billion better than it was at the end of last season? The results certainly do not point towards any drastic changes in fortunes, with the Blues languishing in the 10th place after five games. A solid start to their season saw them beat Everton and draw at home against London rivals Tottenham. However, the last three games have been detrimental to their fortunes, as Leeds United and Southampton got the better of Thomas Tuchel’s men.

In between that, they huffed and puffed to secure three points against an otherwise hapless Leicester City side, who remain at the bottom of the Premier League table. Tuchel needs to get results on board to justify what has been spent in the market. Chelsea’s next opponent will be West Ham United, who will, by no means, will be an easy pass.

Tuchel will have Wesley Fofana available for selection at the weekend, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria are unavailable. The only other absentee is N’Golo Kante, while Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, and Mateo Kovacic are available to feature. Conor Gallagher is also back following his suspension.

With Fofana at his disposal, Tuchel is expected to return with a back three, with the former Leicester City defender set to feature on the right side of the central defensive unit. Thiago Silva and Koulibaly will be the other members in the backline, while Cucurella and James are expected to play as wing-backs.

Gallagher could be on the bench, with Kovacic likely to start in midfield alongside Jorginho. Tuchel will go for a front three of Mason Mount on the right, Sterling on the left, and Kai Havertz leading the line for the Blues against West Ham. Former Blue José Bosingwa says its a chance for Chelsea to bounce back.

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Mendy; Fofana, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Cucurella; Mount, Havertz, Sterling