Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make ahead of facing Tottenham Hotspur, when he travels to his former side for the first time since taking over Chelsea.
The Blues have suffered a disappointing start to the season. They sit 11th in the table having won just three of their opening 10 matches. Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost 0-2 to Brentford at Stamford Bridge last weekend but bounced back by beating Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
The Argentinean tactician will be raring to get some momentum into Chelsea’s season with a landmark win at Tottenham, who are currently unbeaten in the Premier League and sit second in the table.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea have been boosted by the return of Mykhaylo Mudryk to first-team training late last week. Armando Broja is in contention to play having missed the defeat to Brentford and midweek Carabao Cup win over Blackburn.
The Blues are still dealing with a long list of injuries heading into this game and are set to be without Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Romero Lavia.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Tottenham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez is Chelsea’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, and having also played against Blackburn in the Carabao Cup in midweek, there appears little possibility of him losing his place any time soon.
Defence
Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill were rested from the Chelsea lineup in midweek, so they are obvious picks in defence against Tottenham. Reece James stepped up his recovery against Blackburn and should be available to start at right-back in the Chelsea lineup, while Marc Cucurella continues at left-back with Ben Chilwell injured.
The Chelsea back four have to defend brilliantly to keep a clean sheet against a potent Tottenham attack.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo will act as a shield from his preferred No.6 role, protecting the Chelsea backline and dictating the tempo of play. Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez are expected to join Caicedo in the visitors’ engine room.
The midfield troika must win their battles and try disrupting Tottenham’s natural, free-flowing brand of football if Chelsea are to get a positive result in north London.
Attack
Former Manchester City men, Raheem Sterling and Palmer could form part of the attacking three in the Chelsea lineup, with Nicolas Jackson handed the responsibility of leading the line. Armando Broja is available again, but from the context of fitness levels and momentum, Jackson should get the nod.
Having Mykhaylo Mudryk on the bench will be a big boost for the visitors, as the Ukrainian could prove a real handful for Spurs defenders with his pace and directness. Ian Maatsen and Lesley Ugochukwu could be involved at some point in the second half.