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Chelsea predicted XI: 3-4-3 is put through the press test

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / 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 BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / 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 BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Edouard Mendy of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on November 07, 2020 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 Ben Stansall – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Edouard Mendy of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on November 07, 2020 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 Ben Stansall – Pool/Getty Images) /

Chelsea is on a four game win streak and now they meet an opponent that has lost their last six matches on the spin. Southampton are due some luck but Chelsea has to capitalize on their absence of confidence in the meantime. Thomas Tuchel has been evaluating his squad and is gradually beginning to settle on a preferred eleven. Chelsea has a Champions League game three days after the Southampton one and here’s who we think Tuchel gives the go-ahead:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Mendy was left out of the starting eleven in the last match and it raised a lot of questions, some were outraged. Some felt the Board forced Tuchel’s hand in the team selection. All of that was farfetched really, as it was only a matter of time before Kepa got a start. Giving playing to non-first choice goalkeepers is always awkward especially when both goalkeepers are fit, but Chelsea cannot avoid this awkwardness because the world’s most expensive goalkeeper is on their bench. Mendy has kept three clean sheets in four appearances under Tuchel and has played very well. Tuchel confirmed after the Newcastle match that Mendy is still No. 1, this will do Mendy’s confidence a world of good as he wouldn’t have to be concerned that he was dropped for no reason. Expect Mendy to return to the lineup.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Centerback, Spain

Azpilicueta has really done himself justice under the new manager. As one of the players who didn’t have a chance of making consistent appearances under Frank Lampard, Azpilicueta has made himself a fixture in this side, the formation change has helped him too, as he played in this position when Chelsea last won the Premier League. He has been creating chances and even has a goal to show for his effort. He has also help stretch play and create overloads on the right wing. The new system seems to suit him well.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Centerback, Denmark

Christensen’s footballing ability was all but dismissed under Lampard until Tuchel arrived. Christensen was fourth choice in a two centerback formation, now he’s fourth choice in a three centerback formation, which effectively makes him second choice. Christensen has not done anything to make Tuchel consider dropping him and that is credit to the Dane. While his ball playing skills may be a bit overstated, he has fulfilled the requirements of what Tuchel wants in his centerbacks and that’s why he has continued to start.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

It is no surprise that Rudiger has kept his place in the side. Rudiger was given a somewhat golden opportunity by the new manager and he has flourished. All three centerbacks have been protected by the system, but they still have to play well for it to work so credit to them. Other than Rudiger’s own goal against Sheffield United, he has played well in all his games under Tuchel. Tuchel is selecting his team based on merit, and after saying that everyone has to work hard for their place in the side, he’s sticking to his word, and his selections so far reflect that.

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