West Ham head to Stamford Bridge with Nuno likely to stick to a 4-2-3-1 and Valentín Castellanos leading the attack. Punters: consider Castellanos as an anytime scorer and back Both Teams To Score or West Ham +0.5 (Asian) — the Hammers look capable of goals but vulnerable at the back, making BTTS and an anytime goal market appealing.
West Ham Predicted Lineup vs Chelsea — Nuno to Trust 4-2-3-1
West Ham travel to Stamford Bridge buoyed by a 3-1 win over Sunderland, and manager Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to make minimal changes. A settled 4-2-3-1 formation should see Valentín Castellanos lead the line with a supporting attacking trio tasked with unlocking Chelsea at home.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper and Defence
Alphonse Areola is set to start in goal after conceding once in his last outing. The centre-back pairing is likely to be Konstantinos Mavropanos alongside Jean-Clair Todibo, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and Oliver Scarles on the left. Max Kilman is expected to provide cover from the bench.
Midfield
Mateus Fernandes and Tomáš Souček should form the double pivot, offering protection and transition play. Ahead of them, Crysencio Summerville, Pablo and Jarrod Bowen will operate as the creative and wide threats, needing sharp combination play to trouble Chelsea’s defence. James Ward-Prowse and Freddie Potts are possible second-half options.
Attack
Valentín Castellanos will spearhead the attack and is West Ham’s main goal threat. Callum Wilson is likely to be named among the substitutes, an option to change the game late if the Hammers need a goal.
Tactical Outlook
Nuno’s 4-2-3-1 aims to balance solidity through the duo of Fernandes and Souček with pace and creativity in the final third. The onus will be on the attacking trio to combine effectively and supply Castellanos. Expect West Ham to be compact in defence but to invite pressure at Stamford Bridge, creating opportunities on the counter.
Bench, Key Battles and Matchups
Key battles include Wan-Bissaka’s duel on the right flank and whether the central pairing can handle Chelsea’s forward movement. Substitutes like Ward-Prowse and Wilson could influence late phases, particularly from set pieces or if the match opens up.
Verdict and Betting Angles
Form suggests West Ham can score but may concede, so Both Teams To Score looks sensible. Valentín Castellanos is a strong anytime-scorer candidate given his role and recent form. For risk-averse bettors, West Ham +0.5 (Asian handicap) offers value if you expect a close contest or a draw.
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