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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
GIUSEPPE MURO

West Ham XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and latest injuries for Premier League clash

The big decision facing West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the trip to Chelsea is whether to drop goalkeeper Roberto for David Martin.

Pellegrini has kept faith with Roberto despite his recent struggles, but it looks like he is ready to bring in Martin at Stamford Bridge.

Taking Roberto out of the firing line seems the best thing to do for both the Spaniard and the team.

His confidence is shot and Martin will come into the team with a clean slate.

Elsewhere, Issa Diop is suspended, so Fabian Balbuena is likely to partner Angelo Ogbonna at centre-back. The other option for Pellegrini is to move Declan Rice into defence and start Carlos Sanchez in midfield alongside Mark Noble.

Michail Antonio is set to make his first start for more than three months after his 45-minute cameo against Tottenham last weekend.

West Ham have badly missed Antonio’s pace, power and forward threat while he has been out and his return is a major boost for the Hammers.

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Predicted West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Martin; Fredericks, Balbeuna, Ogbonna, Creswell; Rice, Noble; Antonio, Snodgrass, Anderson; Haller.

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