Despite there being nearly two weeks until the Blues are back in action in the Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino will already be deep in the thought process of deciding his next team.
He will have learnt a lot from the last two games, which have been successful as far as Chelsea are concerned.
They have taken four points from fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester City, and the performance in the latter will have really convinced many that they were here to compete this season.
The Argentine will have been particularly delighted by performances from a number of his players against the Champions. Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling in particular starred in attack.
The duo, playing against their former side, looked like they had a point to prove, both to the clubs and their country.
However, it can’t be overlooked that there were times Chelsea’s defence looked overwhelmed. It would be impossible not to at stages against City.
Badiashile should start vs Newcastle
Despite strong displays, it does feel as if Pochettino has a player at his disposal that can strengthen his backline as soon as he hands him his first Premier League start of the season.
Benoit Badiashile has made one appearance this season in the EFL Cup, which he marked with a goal to help Chelsea on their way to the quarter-finals.
Given his long lay-off though, it has been advisable to not risk him in games so quickly, especially when you take into account the quality of those the Blues have faced.
Now though, with another couple of weeks off, it should give Badiashile the perfect lay-off to be able to compete at full fitness again when they travel to Newcastle.
He would likely come in for Axel Disasi, despite the fact the Frenchman has been a near ever-present for the manager so far this season.
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