By Nathaniel Kay

'Start him please': Some Chelsea fans desperate for 22-year-old to be picked to face Manchester City

A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media asked for Kai Havertz to start against Manchester City tomorrow afternoon.

In fact, they ordered Thomas Tuchel to pick his fellow countryman from the first whistle for Saturday’s potentially epic Premier League encounter at the Etihad.

Havertz high on the list

Havertz has history with the reigning top-flight champions.

It was his goal last May that secured dark blue ribbons on the Champions League trophy and ended Pep Guardiola’s pursuit of a third European title.

He also provided the assist for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s consolation in the 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge almost 12 months ago.

Having sat out the midweek Carabao Cup triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, the German international should be fit and fresh for the upcoming faceoff.

Chelsea fans certainly feel the 22-year-old is ready to lead the line, in place of Romelu Lukaku, who played the full +90 minutes on Wednesday.

Here’s what they had to say about Havertz’s inclusion this weekend on Twitter:

How will Tuchel approach the City contest?

Aside from Havertz, Tuchel has plenty of possible player inclusions and exclusions he must consider ahead of the trip to Manchester.

Who begins the game at right wing-back will be one of the biggest questions he must answer.

Cesar Azpilicueta is the obvious choice, although he like Lukaku lasted the entire match against Spurs.

Azpilicueta may be asked to play the back three anyway, now Andreas Christensen has tested positive for covid.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have all featured on the right of a back five, but would City pick of their defensive weaknesses too easily?

More queries for Tuchel

Then there’s the central midfield debate. Which two out of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho does Tuchel put together?

Kante came on for Kovacic during the Tottenham fixture, so it seems they will be the starting pair.

Chelsea’s forward line changes by the hour, so it’s almost impossible to predict the three frontmen.

But guessing is part of the fun!

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Nathaniel Kay

Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He has worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produces regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League.