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Chelsea predicted XI: Almost matching Burnley’s 4-4-2

By Vansh Ambashta

Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) reacts with Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge in London on January 27, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) reacts with Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge in London on January 27, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans (R) takes a shot at goal past Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 19, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans (R) takes a shot at goal past Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 19, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Thomas Tuchel has a few more days under his belt as the Chelsea manager now. Last time out, he settled for a 0-0 draw where the Blues matched Wolverhamton Wanderers 3-4-3 to 3-4-3. He has a history of that, so will he do the same against Burnley? Who makes his second XI?

Edouard Mendy, No. 16, Goalkeeper, Senegal

Mendy isn’t exactly gushing with confidence at the moment. He has conceded a number of goals in the league in recent times and has been partially at fault for some of them. However, this rough patch does not define the keeper that caught Petr Cech’s eye. Mendy needs to build on his performances now. Chelsea managed a clean sheet against Wolves, and it is important to keep this momentum going. Mendy needs confidence and what’s better than a clean sheet against Burnley? Expect a sound and reassuring performance from Chelsea’s towering goalkeeper.

Reece James, No. 24, Right back, England

Reece James was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup against Wolves as Tuchel decided to field Callum Hudson-Odoi at right wingback, a rather unorthodox choice. The decision turned out to be good in the end as Hudson-Odoi had a great game. Now, when fit, James has been excellent this season and has been delivering some wonderful crosses into the box. However, expect James to start against Burnley as a right back.

Antonio Rudiger, No. 2, Centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger has found his way back into the starting lineup and it is difficult to say who’s responsible for it. While he is a decent defender on his day, Chelsea’s best centerback pairing is Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma. That shouldn’t be up for debate. However, Tuchel wants to give Rudiger a chance, and while most don’t agree with it, it is the manager that makes the calls.

Thiago Silva, No. 6, Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva has reunited with Thomas Tuchel. Last season, there were even rumors that Tuchel wanted to keep Silva at Paris Saint-Germain before he joined Chelsea. Silva brings calm and composure to Chelsea’s backline. While the defense (and the team) has struggled in general in recent times, the tide seems to be turning and it is time for Silva to show his leadership under Tuchel!

Ben Chilwell, No. 21, Left back, England

Ben Chilwell has been one of Chelsea’s best performers this season. However, he was struggling in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 against Wolves as a wingback. This was also due to the fact that most of Chelsea’s attacks were coming from the right and Havertz wasn’t as involved in the linkup as Ziyech on the other side. Now, one poor performance doesn’t mean much as players had just one training session with Tuchel before the game. Chilwell is Chelsea’s undisputed defender on the left, and he should start against Burnley in a more familiar role as a fullback.

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