Mount, Hudson Odoi And Chilwell To Start, Ziyech And Havertz Out: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Southampton

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3 years ago

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Tags: callum Hudson-odoi, Chelsea, Juventus, Mason Mount, Southampton

Two defeats in the space of four days is not what anyone would have predicted and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will need to find some solutions when the Blues take on Southampton this weekend.

The Saints have already gone to the Etihad this season and got a point, so this won’t be an easy game despite Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side having not won so far this campaign.

They will sit deep, just like Juventus did, and it will be up to Chelsea to break them down; something they have been struggling to do in recent matches.

Press the next page as we predict the starting lineup for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 29-year-old wasn’t at fault for Federico Chiesa’s goal early in the second half against Juventus and he didn’t have many other saves to make either.

Mendy is likely to have a quiet afternoon this weekend too but Southampton did pose a threat in their match versus City earlier this month so the Senegalese international will need to be on his toes.

RWB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spaniard is solid as a wingback but he is limited in terms of both his pace and creativity in the final third of the pitch, leading to him being subbed on the hour mark against Juve.

However, with Reece James out injured, Azpilicueta is likely to keep his place. Callum Hudson-Odoi would be the other option but he could be deployed further up the pitch on Saturday.

CB – Andreas Christensen

Had a torrid time against Chiesa but he won’t be facing a player of the Italian’s quality every week. He should have a slightly easier time of things against Southampton.

There is no doubt that Christensen is more comfortable in the middle of the back three but, with Azpilicueta having been moved elsewhere, needs must.

CB – Thiago Silva

Whether the Brazilian will be asked to play his second match in the space of three days, we shall have to wait and see. At 37, his game time needs to be managed carefully.

If Silva isn’t available, Tuchel will likely shift Christensen to the centre and draft in Trevoh Chalobah, who hasn’t let anyone down when called upon.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German is usually so consistent and reliable but he was out of sorts in Turin, making a number of mistakes in possession as well as giving away some needless fouls.

Rudiger didn’t get tight enough for Chiesa’s goal either but, with Tuchel rarely resting the defender, he is expected to start again this weekend.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

Marcos Alonso was poor in Italy and while Tuchel may be tempted to keep faith with the Spaniard due to the attacking threat he could pose Southampton, there is a case to leave him out for this one.

Chilwell needs to get some starts in order to rediscover the form he had at the back end of last season and the game against the Saints could be a good chance for him to impress.

CM – Jorginho

It was assumed that the Italian would have a better night in Turin than he did against Manchester City last weekend, but he struggled once again.

Juventus pressed Jorginho in possession and he wasn’t comfortable. He is unlikely to be put under the same pressure on Saturday so expect Tuchel to keep him in the team.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

With N’Golo Kante out, the Croatian is likely to have a long run in the side, but he will need to do better than he did versus Juve.

Kovacic struggled, for the most part, on Wednesday evening, with his passing letting him down in particular. He will be looking for a better performance this weekend.

RW – Mason Mount

At the time of writing, there has been no word on whether the England international is fit for the Southampton match, but it will be hoped that he is available.

Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz were spectators against Juventus and the Blues are clearly missing Mount’s energy and dynamism in the front three.

CF – Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian struggled to get into the match midweek and missed a good chance in the last ten minutes to get his team back on level terms.

Tuchel must try and play more direct to Lukaku at times or the Blues will be failing to utilise a key strength of the forward’s game.

LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

There is a possibility that the 20-year-old will be deployed at wingback but, considering Christian Pulisic is still unavailable, and with Ziyech and Havertz out of form, why not try the winger in his favoured position?

If Hudson-Odoi can grab his chance with both hands, it would send a message to Tuchel that he can be relied upon to produce when selected in the front three.