Ben Johnson likely to be handed surprise start for West Ham United vs Chelsea

Ben Johnson is likely to be handed a surprise start for West Ham United vs Chelsea at the London Stadium on Saturday.

The Hammers have been in better form of late, but we are still sitting precariously in the Premier League table just outside of the relegation zone.

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Chelsea are struggling as well, having taken just six points from their last six league outings.

Both clubs have numerous key players missing through injury, and David Moyes and Graham Potter are in desperate need of a positive result.

And it seems as though there could be somewhat of a surprise inclusion on the West Ham team-sheet this weekend…

Ben Johnson set for a surprise start for West Ham vs Chelsea

The 23-year-old came on as a second-half substitute away at Newcastle on Saturday in place of the injured Thilo Kehrer.

And with the Germany international now expected to miss some games with a hamstring problem, Johnson could start the game against Chelsea, according to a report from The Athletic.

The Hammers academy graduate has operated as a full-back throughout his career to date, but he played as a right-sided centre-back against Newcastle, and he actually looked much better in that role.

I will be more than happy if the 23-year-old starts alongside Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna as part of a three-man backline on Saturday.

Johnson, who earns around £33,000 per week at the London Stadium (Salary Sport), has regressed badly over the past 12 months.

Using him as a centre-back might just be a masterstroke from Moyes though, and it may well help the youngster fulfil his full potential with the Hammers.

The West Ham vs Chelsea clash on Saturday is an absolutely huge one. A positive result really is a must with a clash against Tottenham on the horizon the following weekend.

And in my opinion, Ben Johnson is more than capable of helping get a win against the Blues, as long as he doesn’t play as a full-back!

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