Havertz Up Front, Werner Benched: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play West Brom

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be hoping that the international break does not cause any disruption to his team’s progress.

The Blues have still not lost under the German and he will be hoping to finish the season strongly both domestically and in Europe.

Tuchel’s side face West Brom in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff at Stamford Bridge. The Baggies are now odds-on to be relegated but they will be hard to break down and some patience may be needed to get the opening goal.

So who will start this weekend’s game? Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 29-year-old did not go away with Senegal as he was scheduled to have a dental procedure. However, he is expected to be back for the West Brom clash.

Mendy has impressed everyone since his arrival from Rennes in the summer and Tuchel clearly has total trust in him.

RWB- Reece James

The shoulder problem that Callum Hudson-Odoi picked up on international duty with England’s U21s is not likely to be serious but he may not be fully fit for this weekend’s match.

With that being the case, you would expect James to start this game, if Tuchel doesn’t opt to change to a back four.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The 31-year-old should be well-rested after not being called up by Spain during the international break so he is almost certain to start.

Azpilicueta has really picked up his form since the New Year, and his move to centre-back has undoubtedly benefited his game.

CB – Andreas Christensen

This is a tough call. Kurt Zouma has done well since coming back into the side for the games against Atletico Madrid and Sheffield United but Christensen just looks more solid as the option in the middle of the back three.

We shouldn’t rule out Thiago Silva coming back into contention but, as the Brazilian veteran hasn’t played for two months, it would be a shock if he starts on Saturday.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German has only been left out of the starting lineup for a league game once by Tuchel since the Chelsea manager’s appointment in January.

It would, therefore, be hard to argue against Rudiger being named in the eleven when they face the Baggies this weekend.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

Ben Chilwell did ok against Sheffield United but his limited effectiveness in the final third of the pitch will likely force Tuchel to choose Alonso for Saturday’s game.

West Brom are going to sit every player behind the ball and the Blues will need every attacking weapon available to get on the scoresheet.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

With Jorginho and N’Golo Kante both doubts for this weekend’s fixture, the Croatian international is a nailed-on starter for this one.

Kovacic is trusted by Tuchel to do a job in the middle of the park, and he will be tasked with the same responsibility against West Brom.

CM – N’Golo Kante

This is a toss-up as to whether Jorginho or the Frenchman manage to recover in time from their respective injuries.

Kante’s was described as a “minor” hamstring problem which indicates he could be given the nod, with Jorginho having missed the whole of the international break with a knee injury.

RW – Hakim Ziyech

After scoring against Sheffield United in his last outing, it would be harsh to take the Moroccan out of the starting lineup, especially with Hudson-Odoi being an injury doubt.

Christian Pulisic could also be a candidate but the American hasn’t shown the form to justify Ziyech being dropped to the bench.

CF – Kai Havertz

Timo Werner’s low confidence means he is likely to be benched, and with Tammy Abraham injured, Tuchel will have to choose between Olivier Giroud and Havertz.

The 21-year-old excelled in the false nine role against Everton, and he could pull West Brom’s defence out of position, allowing others to get in behind.

LW – Mason Mount

The England international is an integral part of the first team so, even though Tuchel does have the tendency to rotate, you would expect the 22-year-old to keep his place.

Mount will be in confident mood after scoring on international duty, so you wouldn’t back against him scoring again on Saturday.