(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung - Breaking Media)

Edward Bazeley

Thu 21 August 2025 21:00, UK

Graham Potter is set to make changes to his West Ham lineup for their clash with Chelsea on Friday after the East London club were well beaten by Sunderland last time out.

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The Hammers hoped for a positive start to the season against a newly promoted side, but West Ham instead lost 3-0 to Sunderland on Saturday, 16 August.

Potter steered his side to a lowly finish in the Premier League last term, while last weekend’s defeat on Wearside has left further question marks over the former Brighton boss.

Meanwhile, former Southampton star Matt Le Tissier tipped Potter for an early sack in a Football Insider exclusive.

Potter is set to name his second lineup of the season (Credit: Imago)

After their comprehensive defeat last time out, West Ham must put on a better performance against London rivals Chelsea on 22 August.

Potter should look to reshuffle his forward pack after Niclas Fullkrug struggled to trouble the Sunderland defence.

Therefore, summer signing Callum Wilson should be given the nod up front alongside star man Jarrod Bowen.

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Elsewhere, the London Stadium club need a stronger midfield against Chelsea, which puts Tomas Soucek in line for starting spot.

Meanwhile, after West Ham’s poor defensive showing against Sunderland, Potter could make a change to his backline by starting Konstantinos Mavropanos.

West Ham predicted XI

Beating Enzo Maresca’s side could be a tall order for West Ham, but after the manner of their defeat at Sunderland, Potter has to ensure he can help the Irons avoid another loss to Chelsea.

Last time out against the Stamford Bridge side, Potter’s men were beaten 2-1 on 3 February, despite taking the lead through Bowen before half-time.

Potter has guided the East London outfit to just five wins in 20 attempts since succeeding Julen Lopetegui in January, while suffering 10 defeats.

Pressure is already mounting on the former Chelsea boss, who must be determined to avoid a loss against his former club.

Even though West Ham are the home team on Friday, their poor result at Sunderland suggests that they would be better served by defending resolutely against Maresca’s men and searching for opportunities to counterattack, rather than taking the game to their opponents.

Meanwhile, football commentator Ian Darke has weighed in on the Hammers’ interest in Mateus Fernandes in a West Ham Zone exclusive.

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