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Chelsea predicted XI: The best team the Blues can field (currently)

By Travis Tyler

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, 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 Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on March 04, 2021 in Liverpool, 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 Phil Noble - Pool/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) /

Chelsea has a massive six pointer against West Ham, followed by (still) enemies of football Real Madrid. Thomas Tuchel cannot afford to make many changes between the two so the best thing that he can do is find an XI and get them into the groove with West Ham. The Hammers will be tough opposition, but with only one player missing, Tuchel can name is best XI (minus that player of course).

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Tuchel revealed this one in the presser. Kepa Arrizabalaga is the team’s cup keeper now and Tuchel and the goal keeping coaches decided to reward him with the match against Brighton. All that being done, Mendy is still the club’s number one and he will be returning to the pitch. West Ham are known for their defense but they have been solid goal scorers, so Mendy will have his work cut out for him to keep a clean sheet.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No.27) Centerback, Spain

Azpilicueta has been near ever present for Tuchel since his arrival. Part of that is he was well rested due to not playing much under Frank Lampard, but part of it is also his fit for a back three and the fact that it isn’t as energy intensive as fullback. Azpilicueta has made some errors but for the most part his has been his old solid self in Tuchel’s defense.

Andreas Christensen (No.4) Centerback, Denmark

This is the first “big call” in the XI for Tuchel. Silva showed some signs of age with his back injury recently, though he was phenomenal in the match. That being said, Christensen being fit may make the choice simple for Tuchel. Silva is a more direct ball player but Tuchel seemingly prefers Christensen’s calmness of being able to move the ball wide before forward. At least, the team seems to attack better in that fashion and that may tip the scales.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

Recent matches have seen Rudiger’s role evolve somewhat compared to recent weeks. Before, he would stay deeper and serve as a passing/long ball option as Azpilicueta would be the centerback to join midfield as needed. Maybe Rudiger has gotten more comfortable since because now he is starting to mimic Azpilicueta’s pushes forward. Having that on both sides will be crucial to Chelsea’s progression going forward.

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