Werner And Mount To Start, Giroud And Kovacic Out: Chelsea’s Predicted Eleven To Play Burnley

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Burnley, Chelsea, Mason Mount, timo werner

As new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said himself after the 0-0 draw against Wolves on Wednesday, his selection choices for the game were “unfair” as he had just one training session to judge players from.

The German will have had a bit more time to get his feet under the table and assess who he wants in his starting lineup when the Blues face Burnley at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

How many changes there will be from the Wolves stalemate, we shall have to wait and see, but there will certainly be, at least, one or two different names on the team sheet on Sunday.

So who will be in the eleven? Press the next page as we ponder Tuchel’s selection options.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The fact that Tuchel selected the Senegalese international to start ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Wolves game suggests that the Spaniard won’t be getting an unexpected rehabilitation under the new head coach.

Tuchel would have been aware of Mendy from his time facing Rennes as PSG manager so it seems he has already made up his mind as to who is his number one.

RB – Reece James

Tuchel went with a 3-4-3 formation against Wolves but we suspect a change to a back four will be likely when Chelsea come up against a very defensive Burnley side this weekend.

For that reason, James may be favoured ahead of captain Cesar Azpilicueta because of his attacking instincts, above anything else.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German international is expected to get a lengthy run in the side now Tuchel is in charge, with the centre-back said to be highly rated by his new manager.

Whether Rudiger deserves to be selected ahead of Kurt Zouma, though, it is up for debate. The Frenchman’s relegation to bench duty in recent weeks has been somewhat unfair.

CB – Thiago Silva

A four-day turnaround should give the Brazilian international enough time to recover. Frank Lampard was reluctant to play the 36-year-old more than once a week but Tuchel will be keen to keep him in the starting eleven.

Silva’s experience could prove vital with Tuchel seeking to build solid foundations as he looks to bed in his footballing philosophy.

LB – Ben Chilwell

The England international has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers this season, and he will play a key role in Tuchel’s plans going forward.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Marcos Alonso now Lampard has left but the Spaniard, along with Emerson, are simply not as capable as Chilwell.

CM – Mason Mount

A shock omission from the starting lineup for the Wolves game, considering he was ever-present under Lampard. A recall for Mount is, however, expected this weekend.

The 22-year-old has been the Blues’ best player this season so it would be a surprise to see him miss out on the starting eleven for two successive matches.

DM – Jorginho

With N’Golo Kante having just returned from a hamstring injury, and Billy Gilmour having not even made the matchday squad for the draw against Wolves, Jorginho looks favourite to start in the holding midfield role once more.

Whether he can convince Tuchel to stay in the side for the long term, it remains to be seen. Kante is almost certain to come back into the team when he is fully fit.

CM – Kai Havertz

There were signs of life from the German international versus Wolves and it does appear he will be playing even further forward under Tuchel’s management.

Havertz is likely to be named in the eleven once more on Sunday and he will be tasked with creating openings against a tightly packed Burnley defence.

RW – Hakim Ziyech

Had a good game during the week, and the Moroccan international will almost certainly be picked to start on the right flank once more this weekend.

Ziyech’s creativity is desperately needed at the moment, with there being a distinct lack of ideas from other areas of the pitch.

CF – Timo Werner

Olivier Giroud had a good early chance on Wednesday but he was anonymous for the rest of the game before being subbed so it may be a good time to reintroduce Werner.

Tuchel opted against even using the German as a substitute versus Wolves which may indicate he is keeping him fresh for this weekend’s match.

LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

Despite playing as a right wingback and left-winger against Wolves, the 20-year-old impressed in both roles which suggests Tuchel will keep him in the eleven on Sunday.

Christian Pulisic is also breathing down Hudson-Odoi’s neck, though, so it will be a toss-up between him and the American international for this one.