Plenty of Chelsea supporters on social media have made their feelings known to Thomas Tuchel about starting Kepa Arrizabalaga against Zenit St Petersburg tomorrow.
With qualification to the Champions League knockout rounds already secured, the one thing resting on Wednesday’s trip to Russia is the race for top spot in the group.
Give the boys a break
Although securing pole position above Juventus will be the priority, there is less pressure than usual to pull out a show-stopping performance.
This means Tuchel can rest and rotate his squad, handing minutes to those who have been sitting on the sidelines.
One of those potentially being Kepa, who hasn’t featured at all since the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton at the end of October.
After Edouard Mendy’s unfortunate afternoon at the London Stadium on Saturday, perhaps Chelsea’s number one needs a moment out of the spotlight.
A decision that would sit well with Blues fans, if it meant Mendy’s understudy got a run-out.
Here’s what they had to say on Twitter about Kepa facing Zenit:
Have faith in Kepa
If there was ever a good time for Tuchel to alternate his ‘keepers, the European clash with Zenit is just that.
Plus, it’s not like Kepa hasn’t proved to be a worthy debutant this season.
The 27-year-old stepped up in the one Premier League game he was asked to fill in for Mendy.
He did more than just plug a gap for the two EFL Cup ties that Chelsea won on penalties, thanks to their Spanish shot-stopper.
As long as the Blues can keep their hosts primarily at bay, Kepa should have nothing to fear.
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