Premier League 2025-2026: West Ham-Chelsea, the likely lineups

The second day of the Premier League opens with Friday night’s 9 p.m. preview, scheduled for Aug. 22, which will see West Ham and Chelsea face off at the London Stadium. Both London sides are called upon to redeem themselves after a less-than-stellar start.

The Hammers, fresh from the heavy 0-3 loss at Sunderland’s ground, showed a worrying defensive fragility. Not better the Blues, stopped at Stamford Bridge by a disappointing 0-0 against Crystal Palace, a result that nipped the eve’s enthusiasm in the bud. For Enzo Maresca, in short, a new derby right after the one with the Eagles.

The challenge will be staged at London Stadium, a facility located in the heart of the Olympic Park, in the borough of Newham, about 10 km from central London. Built between 2009 and 2011 in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games, the facility changed its name several times-from Olympic Stadium to The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Park-before taking on its current name.

Probable lineups

West Ham (3-4-1-2): Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodríguez, Diouf; Lucas Paquetá; Füllkrug, Bowen.
Coach: Graham Potter.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo Fernández, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Palmer, Bynoe-Gittens; João Pedro.
Coach: Enzo Maresca.