As they get ready for a London derby away to Tottenham on Sunday, Chelsea will face one of their toughest challenges of the year. The Blues must win against the Lilywhites if they are to have even the remotest chance of competing for European football next season.
The size of the task at hand is highlighted by the fact that the west London team is currently 10th in the Premier League, 10 points behind Spurs in fourth. Graham Potter, the club’s manager, will be under increasing pressure about his future, but he will need to maintain composure when selecting his starting lineup.
The team’s shocking loss to Southampton last week was a step backward in what had otherwise been a few weeks of growth without a reward to show for it. The biggest problem might have been the absence of several important talents due to team rotation.
With so many alternatives available to him, it may be difficult for Potter to put together a lineup that includes individuals who missed the loss. Having said that, here are three possible starting lineups for the Blues’ match against London this afternoon (Sunday).
Imagine Silva and James
Due to their absence from the encounter against Southampton, Reece James and Thiago Silva may be called back into play. The two have served as the team’s leading figures over the past year, both in terms of how they organize the backline and the standards they establish through their performances.
David Datro Fofana was given his debut start against the Saints, though the move may have been too soon for the youngster. A more seasoned striker pick may also be in the works.
- Starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga; James, Silva, Badisahile, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kovacic; Madueke, Mount, Felix; Havertz.
With great pressure
While the previous squad would be a closer return to a stronger team, Potter’s selections allow him to have access to a variety of game plans. While forcing themselves might be one strategy, pushing might also be used to bring a lot of intensity to the side.
They may swarm Tottenham with an energetic midfield three, halting any counterattacks at the source and making opportunities for themselves. Conor Gallagher and Mykhailo Mudryk, for example, may then be excellent additions to the starting lineup.
- Starting lineup (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; James, Silva, Badisahile, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kovacic, Gallagher; Mudryk, Mount; Felix.
Compact form
Tottenham may not be able to play if they press, but there may be doubts about their ability to overcome this and make transitions. The Lilywhites excel at hitting the space to counter, but they frequently struggle when the opposition looks to do the same back.
The Blues may have to adopt a much less appealing approach, but perhaps the best course of action would be to maintain a compact structure and match Tottenham.
- Starting lineup (5-2-2-1): Arrizabalaga; James, Koulibaly, Silva, Badisahile, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kovacic; Mudryk, Mount; Felix.