Chelsea face centre-back questions as Maresca hunts fix before West Ham clash
Chelsea must forget Levi Colwill injury setback.
Enzo Maresca hunts a new centre-back.
The club insists there are no obvious bargains this window.
However Maresca can lean on Acheampong, who impressed against Crystal Palace.
Adarabioyo carries a minor injury, while Colwill remains sidelined.
Adarabioyo could return for Friday night at West Ham, with Acheampong perhaps beside Chalobah.
Acheampong, linked with City at times, stood up to Mateta in the goalless draw.
Chelsea may morph into a back three in possession with Acheampong learning a central role.
Replacing Colwill’s passes will be hard; Maresca has options.
West Ham host Chelsea on Friday at 8 pm BST.
City meet Spurs on Saturday at 12 30.
Brentford host Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Burnley welcome Sunderland at 3 pm.
Bournemouth play Wolves on Saturday.
The soul of West Ham lives in the stands not the boardroom.
The claret and blue love a hard press and a hard tackle.
Only a barge backed centre back line can support a high line.
Spurs Millwall and those who doubt East End football get a jab.
Isak will be the talk on Tyneside yet Chelsea stay focused on their fix.
That circus belongs to others, but the badge will fix its own defence.
- Chelsea’s defence is tested by Colwill’s injury and Acheampong steps forward.
- Maresca must balance press and a compact backline to keep form ahead of West Ham.
- West Ham loom as a test of resilience and allegiance to the club.
Levi Colwill
Chelsea