Lukaku And Mount To Start, Havertz On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Take On Leicester

David Tully

2 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Chelsea, Mason Mount, Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Burnley before the international break was a strange game. They had enough chances to win two matches but the end result was a major disappointment.

With Romelu Lukaku back in the fold, though, you would back the Blues to take their opportunities when they get them against Leicester on Saturday.

The Foxes lost their last home league game to Arsenal, and Brendan Rodgers’ side do look vulnerable, so you would be confident of Chelsea getting the three points, even though it will be a tricky fixture to negotiate.

Press the next page as we predict Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup for the match at the King Power Stadium.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 29-year-old didn’t really have a lot to do against Burnley, barring the lapse of concentration with a backpass. He will be frustrated with the equaliser nonetheless despite having no real chance of stopping it.

Mendy will be busier against Leicester this weekend, and he will need to be on his toes if Jamie Vardy does get in behind the defence.

RWB – Reece James

The wingback has admitted that he is in the form of his life at the moment, and his performances for both club and country in recent weeks have been outstanding.

James will be determined to maintain his current levels with another superb display at the King Power on Saturday.

CB – Andreas Christensen

The Dane may be firmly established now as the first-choice right-sided centre-back but he didn’t cover himself in glory for Burnley’s equaliser.

Jay Rodriguez was left unmarked, and if there are any further instances like that in future matches then Tuchel may consider recalling Cesar Azpilicueta.

CB – Thiago Silva

The Brazilian’s second season with Chelsea has been top-drawer. Despite turning 37, he seems perfectly capable of keeping up with the pace of the Premier League.

Silva will, though, have his hands full with Vardy, who still possesses a great deal of pace despite the fact the striker is no spring chicken himself.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

Like Christensen, Rudiger did switch off for Burnley’s equaliser, but it was a rare lapse of concentration in what has been a pretty faultless campaign so far.

The German defender’s future may be up in the air but he still seems to be completely focused on helping Chelsea achieve more success this season.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

Marcos Alonso is believed to be available again after an ankle injury but Chilwell is now Tuchel’s first choice left wingback and you would expect him to start at the King Power.

The 24-year-old has slightly gone off the boil in the last couple of league games, but he will want to show his best form against his former club.

CM – Jorginho

The Italian was in imperious form just before the international break, but he will have less time on the ball against Leicester than he is used to.

Wilfried Ndidi and Boubakary Soumare will be snapping at Jorginho’s heels so he will need to be fleet-footed when in possession in order to set up attacks.

CM – N’Golo Kante

With Mateo Kovacic still sidelined, the Frenchman is likely to carry on partnering Jorginho for the next few games. He did get some more game time under his belt during the international break so Tuchel should now be able to get a full 90 minutes out of him.

It could well be a pretty frantic affair at the King Power, so Kante’s energy will be required to put out fires and break up any Leicester attack.

RW – Mason Mount

The 22-year-old did sit out the international break due to a tooth infection but he is expected to be available for the trip to Leicester on Saturday.

Ross Barkley performed well when given his opportunity against Burnley but you would back Tuchel to reinstate Mount to the starting lineup.

CF – Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian has been out for a while with an ankle injury, but he has been back in full training for a number of days and he could last 60 minutes against the Foxes, with Kai Havertz then coming off the bench.

Lukaku’s hold-up play and finishing ability will be important in getting a result in what may well be a tight game this weekend.

LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are waiting in the wings but, after opting against joining up with the England Under 21s, Hudson-Odoi will be fresh and ready to make an impact at the King Power.

The 20-year-old needs to grab this opportunity with both hands as Tuchel does have other options available to him if he doesn’t perform.