Chelsea are currently preparing for Wednesday’s Premier League match against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Blues from their 3-1 away victory against Aston Villa on Boxing Day in the league.
Thomas Tuchel’s side remain six points behind leaders Manchester City after returning to winnings ways, but it’s likely to require a special run of results to overtake them.
The Chelsea Chronicle is predicting there will be five changes to tomorrow’s starting line-up against Brighton.
For context, Tuchel confirmed after Sunday’s win against Villa that N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva were both forced off with respective injury problems.
Two changes in Chelsea defence
Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, along with left-sided centre-back Antonio Rudiger, are arguably the first two names on the team sheet that you’d expect to see start again at home to Brighton.
With Silva injured at the weekend, Andreas Christensen seems the natural replacement to slot into the heart of the back three.
Elsewhere, Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta may return to the XI in place of Trevoh Chalobah.
Tuchel’s in the difficult position during a hectic fixture schedule where he needs to try factor in freshness and form when selecting his team.
Double swap in midfield
Jorginho, who scored two penalties in the Villa win, will surely stay in the XI. Also, Reece James is an ever-present at right wing-back.
However, Saul Niguez’s mini resurgence could see him get a chance at left wing-back and it would give Marcos Alonso a rare rest by dropping to the bench.
Elsewhere, Kante’s injury means Chelsea’s manager may need to rely on Mateo Kovacic in the centre of the park a little sooner than he may have hoped following his return.
Exciting attacking trio
Surely, Lukaku comes into the XI this week after an amazing performance as a substitute to score against Villa.
He could replace £58million speedster Christian Pulisic, who drops out of the side. The 23-year-old looks a little lost right now at Stamford Bridge where he’s struggling to nail down a best position. Also, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp says he was “bullied” at times against Villa.
Elsewhere, English duo Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi retain positions due to their form.
Predicted line-up
Mendy
Azpilicueta Christensen Rudiger
James Jorginho Kovacic Saul
Mount Lukaku Hudson-Odoi
IN: Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Mateo Kovacic, Saul Niguez, Romelu Lukaku
OUT: Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, N’Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso, Christian Pulisic
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