Lukaku, Pulisic And Mount To Start, Werner And Hudson Odoi Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Watford

David Tully

2 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Chelsea, Christian Pulisic, N'Golo Kante, Romelu Lukaku, Watford

Things didn’t exactly go to plan for Chelsea against Manchester United at the weekend, but Thomas Tuchel’s side did show character to come from 1-0 down and almost grab a winner in the dying seconds when Antonio Rudiger fired over the bar.

The Blues will want to get back to winning ways against Watford tomorrow night, but a trip to Vicarage Road will pose its own difficulties.

Claudio Ranieri’s men won 4-1 in their last home game (which was also versus United), and while you would expect Chelsea to come out in top, they may have to battle for the three points.

Press the next page as we name our starting lineup for the match against the Hornets.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 29-year-old had a surprisingly shaky game against United on Sunday. He was unable to keep out Jadon Sancho’s opener while he nearly gave away a second when he passed the ball straight to Fred.

It was, though, a rare below-par performance from Mendy and you would expect that he will be back to his best for the Watford clash.

RWB – Reece James

The wingback continues to be one of the Blues’ greatest attacking threats down the right-hand side, and it was a surprise when Tuchel opted to switch him to the left midway through the second half at the weekend.

James’ superb crossing ability has been complemented by his own shooting prowess in recent weeks, meaning he is just as effective when taking on chances himself as well as creating openings for others.

CB – Andreas Christensen

Trevoh Chalobah didn’t really do anything wrong against United but Tuchel will be keen to rotate his starting eleven considering the number of matches coming up over the next month.

Christensen has not had a chance since the last international break so this may well be the game that he is reintroduced into the starting eleven.

CB – Thiago Silva

The Brazilian may be due a rest, so if Tuchel does keep faith with Chalobah then the 37-year-old could be the one to make way for Christensen instead.

Silva has been imperious so far this campaign, though, and considering his importance to the team, he will be selected as long as he is fit and available.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German had a very eventful night on Sunday, crashing a long-range shot off the crossbar in the first half against United before missing the aforementioned last-gasp opportunity to win the match.

Rudiger is rarely afforded a rest and he is the least likely to be rotated out of the three players in the centre of defence.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

The Spaniard looked very rusty at the weekend, with his set-piece delivery, in particular, coming in for heavy criticism. His lack of pace compared to Ben Chilwell means he does also get caught out defensively.

Tuchel says he has faith in Alonso playing over the festive period, although he did suggest at today’s press conference that Callum Hudson-Odoi could fill in for him at times.

CM – Jorginho

Tuchel claims that the Italian is a minor doubt for tomorrow’s game but he did train today and it will be hoped that he is available to start at Vicarage Road.

With N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic still sidelined, having Jorginho’s experience in the middle of the park is vital. His miscontrol for United’s goal was a rare error from the 29-year-old.

CM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Kante and Kovacic’s absence means that the choice will come down to either Loftus-Cheek or Saul Niguez. With the Spaniard rarely given minutes, it seems the former is favourite to start once again.

Loftus-Cheek did some things well against United but he still needs to impose himself on proceedings more, especially considering the attributes he possesses.

RW – Mason Mount

Hakim Ziyech did all he could to get his team back into the game during the second half on Sunday but nothing the Moroccan tried came off.

With Mount now available to start matches again, you would expect Tuchel will be looking to get the 22-year-old back in the lineup as soon as possible.

CF – Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian played the final ten minutes at the weekend and it has been confirmed that he suffered no reaction in his ankle so he should be ready to start.

After some poor finishing against United, Blues supporters will be very keen to have Lukaku back leading the line versus Watford.

LW – Christian Pulisic

The American was bright and energetic after coming on as a substitute on Sunday and he fully merits an opportunity to start ahead of Hudson-Odoi.

Pulisic does seem to have more of a cutting edge than Hudson-Odoi, who missed a gilt-edged chance in the opening minutes of the match against the Red Devils.