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Chelsea predicted XI vs. Leicester City: Should Tuchel still use 3-4-2-1?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Thiago Silva of Chelsea is challenged by Jamie Vardy of Leicester City during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of around 21,000 fans, subject to a negative lateral flow test, will be allowed inside Wembley Stadium to watch this year's FA Cup Final as part of a pilot event to trial the return of large crowds to UK venues. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Thiago Silva of Chelsea is challenged by Jamie Vardy of Leicester City during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of around 21,000 fans, subject to a negative lateral flow test, will be allowed inside Wembley Stadium to watch this year's FA Cup Final as part of a pilot event to trial the return of large crowds to UK venues. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Thiago Silva of Chelsea is challenged by Jamie Vardy of Leicester City during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of around 21,000 fans, subject to a negative lateral flow test, will be allowed inside Wembley Stadium to watch this year’s FA Cup Final as part of a pilot event to trial the return of large crowds to UK venues. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Thiago Silva of Chelsea is challenged by Jamie Vardy of Leicester City during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of around 21,000 fans, subject to a negative lateral flow test, will be allowed inside Wembley Stadium to watch this year’s FA Cup Final as part of a pilot event to trial the return of large crowds to UK venues. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Chelsea has faced Leicester City twice this season, both times under different managers. Regardless of this, the Blues have lost twice. One practically spelt the end of Frank Lampard’s reign, the other spelt a defeat in the FA Cup final. This next fixture could very well determine if Chelsea plays Champions League football next season. Three key matches against the Foxes, the Blues have lost two. Do the Foxes have their number or have they learnt enough from two defeats to beat Brendan Rodgers’ men the third time of asking?

Here’s who we think Thomas Tuchel gives the go ahead for one of Chelsea’s most important Premier League games of the season:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Many fans are frustrated because Edouard Mendy did not start against Leicester City in the FA Cup final. It’s a fair reason to be frustrated, but those fans are naive to think that because Tuchel trusted Kepa Arrizabalaga enough to start against Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinal. He would have surely trusted him in the final against Leicester City where the Blues wwere favorites. Tuchel has mentioned several times that he trusts Arrizabalaga, despite making it clear that Mendy is first choice. He backed up his words with actions by giving Arrizabalaga a chance to finish what he started against Morecambe in the third round. Yes, the Blues lost the final, but that doesn’t make the selection of Arrizabalaga wrong. It’s important not to judge decisions based on the outcome because there’d be times decisions would need to determine the outcome. We’re back to the Premier League and Mendy should be expected to start again—rightly so.

Reece James (No. 24) Right Centerback, England

Reece James was playing well up until the pass he misplaced that ultimately led to a goal. It’s important to point that every goal that is conceded hardly ever has only one player at fault. Youri Tielemans’ goal in the final left many fans apportioning blame to different players. Weirdly, a lot of people were ready to deflect blame from the man who made the inexcusable pass. James attempted that pass the way he would have had he been playing as a right wingback or right back. He has to learn that as a centerback, a misplaced non-long ball could spell trouble for the team. It would be an injustice not to mention that James did a superb job of nullifying Jamie Vardy. He’ll learn from this experience as this is his second trophy-deciding match that he’s lost.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva was Chelsea’s best defender on Saturday. He played in the two most decisive matches in that competition and he made the most defensive actions in the final. Tuchel and Chelsea fans were hoping Silva’s leadership and experience would pull them through the FA Cup—it didn’t. Silva has had a brilliant season for Chelsea though. He has been consistent when called upon, and has shown that he can continue to play at this level, even at the age of 36.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Interestingly, Antonio Rudiger—alongside Silva—has played both games against Leicester this season and has been on the losing side. He was not the problem against Leicester in the FA Cup final, neither was he the solution. He had two shots, both from outside the box, but he does have a reputation of hitting the target from long distances. Rudiger needs to improve his aerial presence in set piece situations though. He’s slightly taller than Kurt Zouma, but he wins a significantly less percentage of his contested aerial duels. Rudiger has kept 11 clean sheets in 17 starts for Chelsea in the league though, which indicates that he does many things right.

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