Chelsea predicted XI vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino recalls and starts 22-year-old

Mauricio Pochettino is preparing to face his old side for the first time on Monday night as Chelsea travel to Tottenham.

The task facing the Blues is to get a result against an unbeaten side who currently sit top of the Premier League.

Bouncing back from the defeat at home to Brentford will be an important goal for the manager, in order to maintain support from the fans.

Here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted XI for the London derby on Monday night.

GK and Defence

We didn’t get to see Djordje Petrovic in action during the week in the EFL Cup, so it will be Robert Sanchez again between the sticks on Monday.

After making his first start since Liverpool at home, Reece James will tentatively be starting again at right-back.

A rare rest was granted to Thiago Silva during the week, meaning he will continue his run starting every Premier League game this season.

Levi Colwill has also started every game this season in the league, and he will join the Brazilian in the heart of defence.

Continuing his Chelsea resurgence at left-back will be Marc Cucurella, back on his more familiar side.

Enzo Fernandez was back from injury against Blackburn in the EFL Cup, and will no doubt be the straight back into the side on Monday.

He will again be joined by Moises Caicedo, who was handed a rest for the majority of Wednesday’s win.

Conor Gallagher may not captain the side with James’ return, but his presence will be equally as important in midfield.

Raheem Sterling, fresh off a goal in midweek, will be looking to make it two in two as he starts against Spurs.

Despite being benched in midweek, Noni Madueke will be back in the starting side as they sweat on the fitness of Mykhailo Mudryk.

Nicolas Jackson will be dropped for this game, meaning Cole Palmer will operate in a similar false nine role to what he did against Arsenal.