While Sergio Aguero watched football at home on suspension this weekend, David Luiz was still shaking off the after-effects of Aguero’s jump-kick tackle. Luiz and Chelsea may benefit in the long run if Antonio Conte rests the Brazilian centre-back against 20th-place Sunderland.
David Luiz struggled throughout Chelsea’s fixture with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. He did not have his usual pace and mobility, was reluctant to move the ball upfield and did not contain Salomon Rondon as effectively as he has other recent front-men.
The win over the Baggies started a run of three games in six days for the Blues. Chelsea take on David Moyes’ Sunderland tomorrow. The Black Cats are in their usual place in the relegation zone (have they called Big Sam yet, or are they waiting till March?). But Chelsea have never found Stadium of Light to be an easy three points.
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The Blues’ upcoming run of games are against better (by definition, they have to be) opponents than Sunderland. More importantly the holiday season schedule is packed with highly physical, typically English clubs. Squad rotation will be an increasingly important factor for Antonio Conte.
David Luiz would be a prime candidate for a tactical switch in the starting XI. Sunderland will offer little in attack, and less in counter-attack than West Brom. If ever there is a game where you can rest your mobile central centre-back, this would be it.
"I think he needs to have the rest. He was quite heavily strapped. That’s something you see in WWE with the amount of strapping on the leg. Against Sunderland is the perfect opportunity to sit him down and give him the rest. – Ajitesh Rasgotra"
Daniel Childs from Son of Chelsea, speaking on The Blue Lions podcast, agrees on the need for squad rotation. However, he thinks any rotation should be in the front of Chelsea’s formation.
"There’s so much science that goes into players these days, but if he’s fit to play those games he should play those games. If there is a doubt, he should be taken out of the team… If we’re going to change anything I think it’s bringing in Fabregas or Willian."
Childs pointed to West Brom’s effectiveness in closing down all of Chelsea’s avenues for attack. Looking at Chelsea’s recent history away to Sunderland, the Black Cats will offer a similar opposition and perhaps a sterner test than West Bromwich Albion.
The Blues need Fabregas’ creativity and ability to find the single penetrating pass. Against Sunderland this is more valuable than Nemanja Matic holding midfield against a deep-sitting opponent. Fabregas’ passing and Willian’s purposeful, high energy runs (as opposed to the Pedro variety) give Chelsea better hope of taking an early lead.
Cesar Azpilicueta and N’Golo Kante are Chelsea’s only outfield players to have played every minute of the Premier League season. Gary Cahill and Diego Costa are within 30 minutes of the perfect attendance mark. Costa quickly recovered from a thigh injury during the last international break, and the other three have been in top form and top fitness.
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Antonio Conte will want to preserve the momentum that Chelsea have built up over the last 10 games. Continuity among the starting XI is a major factor in that run. But continuity should not constrain Conte once tactics or long-term fitness enter the equation. Squad rotation by choice always beats squad rotation due to injury.