Kante, Havertz And Werner To Start, Mount And Hudson Odoi Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Take On Al Hilal

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2 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Al-Hilal, Chelsea, Kai Havertz, N'Golo Kante, timo werner

With Thomas Tuchel having to self-isolate after picking up the virus, it is hardly ideal preparation for Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal.

The Blues will, though, be able to welcome back N’Golo Kante for tomorrow evening’s game, with the Frenchman having to sit out the extra-time win over Plymouth at the weekend.

Mason Mount did, however, sustain an injury on Saturday so don’t expect him to be in the starting lineup for the match in Abu Dhabi.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s eleven to face Al-Hilal.

GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga

Edouard Mendy will return from the African Cup of Nations today, so he is unlikely to be called upon to play in the semi-final tomorrow.

His understudy Kepa is in good form anyway, with the Spaniard producing the key penalty save in extra time in order to secure the Blues’ progression into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

RWB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The captain played a major role in helping Chelsea avoid an upset against Plymouth, scoring the equaliser and having another one chalked off.

With Reece James set to be sidelined for, at least, another week or two, it is good to know that Azpilicueta can provide a significant threat going forward from right-back.

CB – Thiago Silva

After returning late from international duty, the Brazilian had to sit the game out at the weekend, so he is likely to be back in the lineup to play Al-Hilal.

With Andreas Christensen only managing 45 minutes against Plymouth, with the defender still recovering from the effects of the virus, having Silva back in contention is a big boost.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German didn’t have a great deal to do on Saturday, and he will be hoping for an equally quiet evening tomorrow.

Rudiger’s partnership with Silva in the centre of a back four should give Chelsea the solid foundation they need as they look to secure another major trophy.

LWB – Malang Sarr

The 23-year-old struggled somewhat in a back four against Plymouth, but he did produce a decent performance against Spurs the week before, so it would be harsh to drop him after one bad game.

With the only other option being Marcos Alonso, a player who struggles to play as a conventional fullback, sticking with Sarr may be the best solution for now.

CM – Jorginho

The Italian was rather subdued at the weekend, but he won’t be coming up against midfielders with the same physicality as Plymouth when he takes to the field tomorrow night.

Jorginho should have more time to find his passing range against Al-Hilal with the speed of the game likely to be far less intense than the norm in English football.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The midfielder returned to full training on Sunday so, despite sitting out the FA Cup clash, he should be in contention to start tomorrow.

Chelsea’s midfield has lacked bite whenever Kante has been absent this season and the Frenchman’s return for an important game could prove crucial.

RW – Hakim Ziyech

The Moroccan is probably the only forward that has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks so he warrants a long run in the starting lineup on the right-wing.

Tuchel’s decision to switch to a 4-3-3 seems to have benefited Ziyech the most but, after moving back to a three-man defence during the Plymouth match, it remains to be seen what system the Blues will use versus Al-Hilal.

AM – Kai Havertz

As we have mentioned already, Mason Mount is a major doubt after picking up a knock on Saturday so it may present an opportunity for Havertz to play as the most advanced player in a three-man midfield.

Much will, of course, depend on whether Chelsea keep with the 4-3-3 formation that they have been utilising in recent weeks.

CF – Romelu Lukaku

As most fans and pundits have already pointed out, the Belgian’s performance in the first half against Plymouth was diabolical. He did improve slightly after the interval but Tuchel’s patience with him is likely to be wearing thin.

Al-Hilal’s defence is expected to be far less physical so you wouldn’t put it past Lukaku delivering a dominant performance and getting on the scoresheet.

LW – Timo Werner

The German just isn’t getting minutes on the pitch but, with Christian Pulisic nor Callum Hudson-Odoi pulling up any trees, surely Werner will be given a start in the Club World Cup?

The 25-year-old’s finishing may be pretty poor but his speed and ability to make forward runs do add another dimension to Chelsea’s attack.