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Chelsea predicted XI vs Sheffield United: Return to 4-2-3-1?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Ngolo Kante of Chelsea and Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Chelsea FC and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 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 Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Ngolo Kante of Chelsea and Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Chelsea FC and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 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 Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham scores the opening goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / various sources / 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 NEIL HALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham scores the opening goal during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Barnsley at Stamford Bridge in London on September 23, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / various sources / 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 NEIL HALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Callum Hudson-Odoi (No. 20) Right winger, England

Tuchel may have a different role for Hudson-Odoi on Sunday, but he has shown that he is perhaps the most effective when hugging the touchline and is in a position to isolate the opponent’s wide players one-on-one. He was impressive in the match against Everton as the left sided attacking midfielder, and though this formation is far from that 3-4-3, with the right communication with his same side fullback he could have just as good an impact. He does well against considerably weaker opponents and especially in cup games, so this one is right up his alley.

Christian Pulisic (No. 10) Left winger, United States

Pulisic needs this game almost as much as a thirsty deer needs water. Pulisic is yet to find any form under any of the managers Chelsea has had this season. The American has been in and out of injuries frequently and he has had to wait a long time to get very few minutes. He needs a game like this against an opponent like this where the pressure is a lot less, and he can just express himself and deliver football art like he has been known to do. Pulisic has rarely gotten minutes under Tuchel, and this is an opportunity to play his way into some kind of form and maybe even into Tuchel’s starting eleven plans.

Tammy Abraham (No. 9) Center forward, England

Abraham has had a rough ride under Tuchel so far. He went from being top of the striker pecking order, to being bottom. After having never been subbed off at half time under Lampard he has been subbed off at half time twice under the German. Yes it is harsh, but football at the top level is even harsher than this and the Englishman has to buckle up and raise his game. His exclusion from the matchday squad several times has raised a lot of eyebrows and there are even reports that he may be refusing a new contract. Chelsea may well need to sell Abraham this summer, but they shouldn’t have to. Many players have shown that with Tuchel, you always get a chance to prove your worth, and this is one such chance should Abraham be fit for the match in time. Others will certainly come as well. Tammy played very well in the FA Cup tie against Barnsley, scoring a well taken goal and making a goal-line clearance to make sure his goal wasn’t cancelled out. What he needs to do is make the most of these opportunities.

Next. Tuchel's man management is key to Chelsea's recent success. dark

Who do you think makes the XI for the FA Cup? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

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