The winter break is finally over and the Blues can get back to business. Who will Chelsea play in a big clash against Manchester United?
This winter break, good idea as it may be for the players, has gone on since the beginning of time. But the Blues are finally back with a massive clash against Manchester United to restart this run of massive clashes. The Red Devils have proven to be a bit of a bogey team this season and it will be up to a well rested squad and two weeks of planning to overcome them this time.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, 1, Goalkeeper, Spain
Given Frank Lampard’s comments about Arrizabalaga reacting the right way to being dropped, it seems likely he will return. Willy Caballero’s performance last match likely made that decision easier. Arrizabalaga is surely not out of the dog house yet however. He still very much has the potential of a new signing nipping at his heels (hands?) unless he turns it around.
Reece James, 24, Right back, England
United has been dipping into their reserves for wingers as of late, but regardless they pose their biggest threat in the wide areas. Luckily, Chelsea has James to cover the right side against some of his fellow youth internationals. So long as he keeps track of his flank defensively and rains in crosses offensively, all will be well.
Andreas Christensen, 4, Center back, Denmark
It is very nice to see Christensen return to his form pre Barcelona in 2017/2018. He once again seems cool and calm in every play and has control over the result. Of all of Chelsea’s center backs, he is surely the most technically proficient and now that he has some confidence again, Lampard appears to trust him in the best XI.
Antonio Rudiger, 2, Center back, Germany
The Rudiger-Christensen partnership should have been the way to go last season but it rarely materialized. Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma inched their way in but now it appears that the main partnership is the Dane and the German. Rudiger is Chelsea’s only real threat at set pieces and he and Christensen do match up together well, so it makes sense.
Cesar Azpilicueta, 28, Left back, Spain
Knowing United like to attack down the flank with wingers cutting in, it does make sense to have one full back who will be more naturally tucked in anyways. Azpilicueta has come a long waystowards showing he can be involved coming and going in either full back position and, simply put, Emerson and Marcos Alonso just do not cut it on the big days. Enter the captain.