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Chelsea predicted XI vs Tottenham: 3-4-3 put to the real test

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

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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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea battles with Dwight McNeil of Burnley during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on January 31, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea battles with Dwight McNeil of Burnley during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on January 31, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Callum Hudson-Odoi, No. 20, Right wing back, England

Though not his preferred position, he has played really well as a wing back for Tuchel’s 3-4-3 so far. This shouldn’t be surprising as Hudson-Odoi naturally likes to hug the touchline and isolates fullbacks one-on-one. He rarely started under Frank Lampard but he has started all games so far under the new manager and that would boost his confidence considerably. This position is good for the youngster because it helps him sharpen his strengths and at the same time work on the defensive side of his game, seeing as the position requires as much attacking as it does defending. Hudson-Odoi will be difficult to handle for whoever has to go through that ordeal tomorrow.

N’Golo Kante, No. 7, Central midfielder, France

Kante is Chelsea’s best chance at protecting the back three/back five. Tuchel seems to be managing his fitness carefully to avoid losing the Frenchman for a very long time. Kante hasn’t featured yet under Tuchel but there’s nothing to worry about. He’s Chelsea’s best midfielder and against an opponent like this Chelsea needs their best players on the pitch.

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Mateo Kovacic, No. 17, Central midfielder, Croatia

Kovacic has looked very good in his games so far. Tuchel seems to trust him a lot. He, alongside Jorginho, made several forward passes against Burnley. That is worth noting because he has been criticized for it several times by the fanbase. Tuchel seems to want his team to play as many passes as they are, so it’s important they continue to do that. His ability to dribble down the middle and pull many players out of position helps Chelsea a lot in breaking the press. If Kovacic has a good game against Spurs, the Blues may well come away with a victory.

Marcos Alonso, No. 3, Left wing back, Spain

Alonso got his first start in five months against Burnley and he took the chance with both hands, scoring a goal Didier Drogba would be proud of. Alonso is simply the best wing back in the league, if not the world. He flourished in Conte’s 3-4-3 and put up a magnificent display in Tuchel’s 3-4-3. If he continues to play like he did against Burnley, he might cement his position in the side. His intelligence means that he’s always well positioned to receive a cross-field longball, and often makes the right decision in the middle and final third. His inability to get back in line to defend because of his lack of speed is of course a known flaw.

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