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

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Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after having his penalty saved during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge in London on January 24, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / 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 DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Mason Mount (No. 19) Right winger, England

Mount has remained consistent even under a new manager, which speaks to how good he is as a player. it is no surprise he has played as many games as he has under the former Paris Saint Germain manager. He has divided opinions among the fanbase. He’s a very useful player that offers a lot to the team, not just pressing. He has arguably been Chelsea’s best player this season, which isn’t as outrageous as it sounds because the squad hasn’t been spectacular this season. He offers Chelsea a lot of goal scoring opportunities from set pieces, especially corners. He is also giving Tuchel what he wants on the pitch and he has deservedly continued to start.

Timo Werner (No. 11) Left winger, Germany

Werner has been crucial for Chelsea under Tuchel. He has continued to win penalties and dribble past players to create openings. His goal drought has finally ended and his confidence would be building. Opponents probably don’t want to know what a confident Timo is about. He leads Chelsea in goal contributions currently and that is good. He hasn’t had the easiest year, but he sure as learnt a lot about English football and all these lessons would him in the Premier League in subsequent seasons. The emphasis being paced on the position he’s played at is overstated. He plays better WITH a striker, and Chelsea has many. He still has a problem of missing clear cut chances and the only thing that Chelsea can hope for is that these misses would not cost Chelsea in really big games.

Olivier Giroud (No. 18) Center forward, France

Giroud has found himself in the side again due to an injury to Tammy Abraham. His goal against Newcastle shows just how good he is in the box. He is constantly moving around trying to anticipate where the ball would land, and he has gotten that spot on time and again. He hasn’t even begun to assert himself as the unplayable aerial threat that he is. The new formation and system may suit Giroud better, as long as teams are ready to let Chelsea have the ball. Giroud played a key role post-Lockdown in securing Champions League football, he might be set to make as big an impact in the next coming set of games. His goal tally, especially in recent times, is simply incredible for a 34-year-old.

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