Chelsea predicted XI vs Brighton: Tuchel makes four changes and hands 22-year-old a fifth successive start
Chelsea are back in action again tomorrow night as they make the journey down the motorway to challenge Brighton & Hove Albion.
Thomas Tuchel’s men must instantly pick themselves up again after their damning Premier League defeat at the hands of Manchester City virtually ended the Premier League title race.
The Blues might feel there is little to play for now they are staring at a 13-point buffer between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, Brighton will certainly not share this view, as they continue to pursue their best-ever finish in the top flight.
Graham Potter already has Chelsea’s number, following the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.
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The Seagulls arguably deserved more from the game and may sense an opportunity to harm the wounded European champions even further.
Therefore, Tuchel cannot take his foot off the gas by naming a relatively weakened side.
Here’s how we think the Blue will line-up on Tuesday evening:
Defence
Due to a lack of bodies in this area of the field, a reshuffling of the defence is unlikely.
Expect the same goalkeeper and back three who faced City to remain in place.
Kepa Arrizabalaga should be protected by Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and emerging star Malang Sarr, who could start his fifth successive match for the Blues.
Midfield
Again, because of the limited choices at wing-back and lack of movement in the transfer window, Tuchel has little choice but to deploy some familiar faces.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta may well begin the fixture on the left and right respectively once more.
Mateo Kovacic also stays put, but is joined by a new central midfield partner in Jorginho, who takes the place of N’Golo Kante.
Attack
Fortunately, there is seemingly no end to Chelsea’s offensive options.
Meaning Tuchel may well change the entire front line who failed to penetrate City’s fortress.
Out goes Romelu Lukaku, who squandered the weekend’s best chance for the Blues, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic.
In come Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, the latter taking Lukaku’s place as the alternative number nine.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Brighton: Kepa; Sarr, Silva, Rudiger; Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Azpilicueta; Mount, Havertz, Werner
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