Lukaku TO START, Kepa And Niguez Recalled: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Tottenham

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2 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has had one hell of a week. Coping with the fallout of Romelu Lukaku’s interview with the Italian media, combined with the club’s injury crisis, is likely to have taken its toll.

While a draw against Liverpool has seriously dented their title challenge, the Blues should be heartened by the way they came from 2-0 down to get a point, especially considering the difficulties leading up to the game.

With things seemingly patched up with Lukaku after a clear-the-air meeting yesterday, the focus will now be on the Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Tottenham tomorrow.

Press the next page as we predict the starting lineup that Tuchel may pick for the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga

With Edouard Mendy away at the African Cup of Nations, Kepa won’t just be looking to impress in cup competitions over the coming weeks.

The Spaniard has actually looked in decent form when called upon so far this season and it will be hoped that he can hold the fort ably in Mendy’s absence.

RWB – Callum Hudson-Odoi

As the 21-year-old did not start versus Liverpool, it would suggest that he will be back in the eleven for the Spurs game.

Hudson-Odoi may not get his favoured position in the front three, though. With Reece James injured, and Cesar Azpilicueta needed in the back three, Tuchel may utilise him in a wingback role.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

With Trevoh Chalobah and Andreas Christensen both sidelined with injuries, and Thiago Silva likely to be rested, the club captain is expected to slot back into the right-sided centre-back position.

Azpilicueta did not cope that well with Sadio Mane at the weekend, and he will face another big test tomorrow when he comes up against either Son Heung-min or Steven Bergwijn.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

As we have already mentioned, the injury problems at the back mean Tuchel will be forced into some difficult decisions in defence. Rudiger could well be shifted centrally for the Tottenham match.

The German had an up and down game versus Liverpool, failing to track Salah for his goal but also making some very good interceptions across the 90 minutes.

CB – Malang Sarr

The Frenchman’s last couple of outings have not been hugely impressive but Tuchel will need to rotate in order to keep his players fresh for upcoming matches.

There could be an argument for keeping Silva in for the Spurs game and then selecting Sarr against Chesterfield in the FA Cup on Saturday so we shall see how things turn out.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

The Spaniard will have to play pretty much every match in the coming weeks, unless Chelsea do snap up a left-back to provide cover.

As we saw with Salah’s goal on Sunday, Alonso does not have the speed to cope with fast wingers so bringing in competition for the Spaniard this month is vital.

CM – Jorginho

Having started on the bench for the Liverpool game, you would have to assume that the Italian will be recalled when the Blues host Tottenham tomorrow.

Jorginho always brings a level of control to proceedings and Tuchel will be looking for him to dictate play in the first leg so Chelsea can secure an aggregate lead.

CM – Saul Niguez

The 27-year-old played well in the last round against Brentford so it is a surprise that he hasn’t featured at all in the league since then.

Niguez will be looking to make a point if, as expected, he is brought back into the starting lineup at Stamford Bridge tomorrow evening.

RW – Hakim Ziyech

The Moroccan has actually looked good on occasions this season, but there are other games where he has flattered to deceive. Inconsistency is not something Tuchel is particularly tolerant of.

It means Ziyech’s game time has been sporadic over the last few weeks, despite having overcome some fitness problems. We shall see if the winger can put in one of his better displays against Spurs.

CF – Romelu Lukaku

As we have already mentioned, things between the Belgian and Tuchel have been patched up for now. Having been left out for the Liverpool game, it’s logical to assume he will start tomorrow.

Lukaku will, undoubtedly, be looking to get back on the scoresheet as soon as possible to undo some of the damage he has done in terms of his relationship with both the club and its supporters.

LW – Christian Pulisic

While Tuchel may consider utilising the American as a wingback once more tomorrow, the German could instead deploy him further forward.

Pulisic performs at his best when playing in the front three, and he could exploit Tottenham’s weakness on the right flank, with neither Emerson Royal nor Matt Doherty being that great defensively.