Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino could start either Raheem Sterling or Mykhailo Mudryk on the left wing against Arsenal this weekend.
Sterling was outstanding in the 4-1 win over Burnley, while Mudryk scored on his last start against Fulham before he picked up a thigh injury that prevented him from being named in the eleven at Turf Moor. When asked which player Pochettino should pick to face the Gunners, fans on X were somewhat split, although the majority favoured Sterling:
Criticize Sterling all you want but he’s 3x better than Mudryk
— Realem 🍥 (@turrbotimo) October 15, 2023
Mudryk. We need that pace.
— SW6 CFC (@chelseaktbffh83) October 15, 2023
Raz without a doubt. His performance before the break was too good and with that in mind, he totally deserves to start. Also his experience counts in this big games. Misha can come off the bench in the last 25-30 mins with fresh legs to trouble their tired defenders.
— Wajid (@CFCWajid) October 15, 2023
LETS START BOTH
— Mayor of nnewi (@Umejesi23) October 15, 2023
Offf courseee Sterlinggg 🔥
— Digital Human (@DigitalHuman_DH) October 15, 2023
Let Sterling plays. He’s on his form
— JEN (@flyme2tokio) October 15, 2023
Mudryk
— Tamil❤️🩹 (@grindfather_) October 15, 2023
I think Sterling Starts
— Wealth wise☀️ (@GabbrianC) October 15, 2023
Mudryk on left sterling on right Palmer plays the 10 and bench Conor
— eddierhymez (@_eddierhymez) October 15, 2023
Could Pochettino pick both players?
As some supporters have suggested, there is a case for choosing Mudryk on the left flank with Sterling on the right but you would have to sacrifice Cole Palmer for that to work.
With the summer signing from Manchester City having been Chelsea’s most creative player in recent weeks, you wouldn’t think that Pochettino would consider dropping the 21-year-old (unless he isn’t fit to play).
Sterling’s recent form could be the deciding factor
The 28-year-old was outstanding last time out against Burnley and, considering the fact that he has had a long rest over the international break, having not been selected by England, he should be raring to go.
Pochettino may feel that starting Sterling and sending on Mudryk for the last 20 to 25 minutes as a substitute is the best solution.
Watch a recap of the weekend action in the Premier League on Shots! TV here
