Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel likely opted for a back four with Malang Sarr playing in the left-back role in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues defeated Tottenham twice in the Carabao Cup semifinal with a 4-2-2 formation, so it is hardly a surprise that Tuchel decided to field his team in a similar formation.
In midfield, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will play behind two wide playmakers; Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech.
Ziyech, in particular, could benefit from the freedom to play in a wider position in the absence of wing-backs in this formation.
Romelu Lukaku, who keeps his spot in the starting line-up, plays alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi up front.
None of Chelsea attackers have really been convincing lately, but many Blues fans expected a different set of players in the attack after the poor performance in the Brighton draw.
Havertz seems to be the one player whose exclusion from the starting line-up has upset some Chelsea fans on social media.
The Germany international has only featured three times in January, including his goalscoring first-half display in the 2-0 win over Tottenham earlier this month.
His two goals and one assist in the Premier League so far are certainly far below the expectation, but he as Jamie Carragher also pointed out recently, Chelsea look more fluid with him in the team.
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