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Chelsea predicted XI against Brighton: A momentary normalcy

By Vansh Ambashta

Socially distanced fans watch from the stands as Chelsea's Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech goes to take a corner during the pre-season friendly football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on August 29, 2020. - The game is a 'pilot' event where a small number of fans will be present on a socially-distanced basis. The aim is to get fans back into stadiums in the Premier League by October. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Socially distanced fans watch from the stands as Chelsea's Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech goes to take a corner during the pre-season friendly football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on August 29, 2020. - The game is a 'pilot' event where a small number of fans will be present on a socially-distanced basis. The aim is to get fans back into stadiums in the Premier League by October. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

The world isn’t the same as it was for Chelsea or anyone else in football a few days ago. Even still, the show is going on and the Blues have a match against Brighton to take care of. Who makes the XI to continue a top four campaign for a few hours?

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and he has fourteen clean sheets in 26 games with 46 saves. To put this into perspective, Ederson has seventeen sheets in 31 games with a total of 51 saves with the best side in the Premier League. Most fans often take Mendy for granted and fail to understand the importance of a solid keeper in the flank (just ask Man United fans). Mendy has been so good that he has a good shot at the Player of the Year award as well. The Senegalese should be starting against Brighton and should be relatively comfortable as well.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No.27) Centerback, Spain

Thomas Tuchel stated that Thiago Silva was a doubt for the game against Brighton. While Azpilicueta has started a massive amount of games in the past couple of months, his presence will be significant as the backline could panic without Silva and Azpilicueta. Azpilicueta has combined exceptionally well with the wingbacks down the right flank and has looked good consistently. Against Manchester City, he looked solid as well. There was one particular moment where Sterling tried to beat him with pace and go past him. Yet, Azpilicueta read the situation well and stopped Sterling before he could move forward. This moment indeed showed the experience of Azpilicueta and the value he adds to the team.

Andreas Christensen (No.4) Centerback, Denmark

Andreas Christensen has been in and out of the side as he has struggled with some injury. He was out against Manchester City, but Tuchel stated that he would be available for Brighton. In Silva’s absence, Christensen was consistently brilliant in every game. He was one of Chelsea’s best players and was an absolute rock at the back. Brighton would be the perfect game to welcome Christensen back into the side as it would be a bit of a breather after several crucial games.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Kurt Zouma has been a bit inconsistent under Tuchel. In Chelsea’s untouchable defense, Zouma has been the one defender that has made a couple of mistakes here and there. However, the Frenchman scored in the last game he started for Chelsea. It seems that Zouma can finally find his form back with a consistent run of games and assert his aerial dominance again.

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