Thomas Tuchel’s team selection could be his most important yet as Chelsea aim to move into the top four with a win over Newcastle United tonight.
Liverpool’s latest Premier League defeat means the Blues can leapfrog their deeply rooted Red rivals if they can overcome Newcastle later today.
Chelsea haven’t been in the top four since they beat Leeds United on the 5th of December to briefly go top of the table.
With Champions League qualification an absolute must for any Chelsea manager, this fixture could have great significance for the season.
That is why Tuchel must pick his side extremely wisely. He will undoubtedly want to recreate the positive formula that has equated to their recent league success.
Edouard Mendy looks likely to be back between the sticks after Kepa Arrizbalaga took the gloves for Chelsea’s tie against Barnsley.
Tuchel reverts to the back three that started at Sheffield United. Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen make up his back-line, with the latter remaining in place of injured Thiago Silva.
Marcos Alonso gets the nod over Ben Chilwell at wing-back. Tuchel has often preferred the Spaniard for his height to deal with physical opponents.
Newcastle offers just that kind of threat, so Alonso’s aerial presence could be crucial. Reece James seems likely to play on the opposite flank having come off the bench to good affect at Barnsley.
Jorginho and Matteo Kovacic return as the favoured central midfield duo after they were given a break last week.
James’ reinstation at wing-back means Callum Hudson-Odoi gets the nod further forward. The combination between England’s two internationals was a theme that troubled Spurs and one Chelsea can hope they can recreate again.
Mason Mount takes up the other spot after earning an unheard-of rest midweek.
This means no inclusion for Hakim Ziyech or Christian Pulisic. Both begun the Barnsley game but neither demonstrated enough to warrant a first start in the league under Tuchel.
Ziyech’s £33.3m (Sky Sports) summer signing has not yet lived up to expectations and the FA Cup clash on Thursday was another indication of his struggles.
Timo Werner missed the Barnsley trip entirely through a minor injury but Tuchel did confirm the 24-year-old would be free to fly against the Magpies.
Goals are still hard to come by for Werner, however his performances have certainly improved and so he takes the main striker role.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Newcastle: Mendy; Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta; Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, James; Mount, Werner, Hudson-Odoi.
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