Gallagher To Start, Kante Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Take On Leeds

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2 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Chelsea, Conor Gallagher, Leeds, Leeds United

Despite the draw against Tottenham last weekend, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would have been happy with the performance of his players.

They were on top for long spells of the game and they would have been frustrated that they didn’t come away with a victory.

The Blues face Leeds on Sunday, who have also picked up four points from their first two matches, so the game at Elland Road on Sunday could be tricky to negotiate for Tuchel’s men.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup for this weekend’s fixture.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 29-year-old had very little to do against Spurs. The keeper had no chance of stopping either goal that was conceded on the day.

Mendy is likely to be called into action more against Leeds, whose attacking philosophy usually leads them to having a fair few sighters on goal.

RWB – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Some may feel that Reece James deserves to be reinstated at wingback, considering his contributions in the final third when he switched positions in the second half versus Spurs.

However, Loftus-Cheek was excellent too and, while there is a temptation to move him back into midfield (due to Kante’s injury), he simply looks more effective out wide.

CB – Reece James

As we’ve mentioned, the 22-year-old was outstanding when he was switched to wingback, but Leeds have a quick forward line, and he may prove to be more of an asset as a centre-back at Elland Road.

In the long term, James should be moved back to the right flank but, for the time being, Tuchel is probably correct to keep him where he is.

CB – Thiago Silva

Harry Kane did get one chance which he should have done better with but, other than that, Silva (at 37) managed to keep the England international striker quiet for most of the game.

It’s testament to his experience and skill as a defender that the Brazilian is still able to perform at such a high level in the Premier League despite his age.

CB – Kalidou Koulibaly

The defender announced himself as a Chelsea player with an all-action display in the London derby, showing his strength defensively, whilst getting on the scoresheet with a stunning goal.

Koulibaly is also slowly getting used to playing in a three-man backline, meaning the Blues are not really feeling the absence of Antonio Rudiger.

LWB – Marc Cucurella

While many will dispute the fee paid for the Spaniard, there can be no doubt that he has the talent to play for a team competing for titles.

Cucurella not only got his first assist in his first start but his overall game was excellent. He barely mislaid a pass and marauded up and down the left flank all afternoon. Ben Chilwell has a fight on his hands to get back into the team.

CM – Conor Gallagher

The injury to N’Golo Kante means Tuchel has very few options to choose from in the middle of the park, especially as Mateo Kovacic is also still sidelined.

Many will expect Loftus-Cheek to be given the nod but he looks so much more effective out wide. Gallagher deserves to be given a chance to see what he can do.

CM – Jorginho

The mistake in the build-up to Piere-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal shouldn’t detract from what was an outstanding performance from the Italian international.

If Jorginho continues to play like he did against Spurs, Chelsea will go far in every competition they play in this season.

RW – Mason Mount

The England international got into a lot of good positions between Spurs’s defence and midfield, but he didn’t make the most of the space he was afforded.

Mount’s end product can also be erratic, as we saw with the chance he failed to take during the first half. The midfielder needs to become a lot more consistent.

CF – Kai Havertz

The German’s link-up play is decent and Chelsea’s attack always seems more threatening when he is leading the line, but his finishing leaves a lot to be desired.

Reece James put the ball on a plate for Havertz with a fine cross in the second half, yet he could not convert from close range. Not good enough.

LW – Raheem Sterling

A live wire as always. The 27-year-old had a couple of chances to score himself but his perfectly timed pass set up James for his goal.

Sterling is undoubtedly an upgrade on the other wingers Tuchel has at his disposal and his value will become more evident as the season goes on.