Chelsea vs Tottenham preseason predicted XI: Do we see a 3-4-1-2?

Chelsea's French-born Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (R) gestures to Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger (L) during the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at The Emirates Sadium in north London on August 1, 2021. - 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 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / 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 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / 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 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (L) vies with Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (R) during the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at The Emirates Sadium in north London on August 1, 2021. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Dujon Sterling, Right wingback

Chelsea fans are yet to see Dujon Sterling deployed as a right wingback, surprisingly, given he’s in the running to be Reece James’ back-up next season. His injury set his development back by a considerable margin, but he seems to be getting back to full fitness. It will be exciting to see what he can do with how much time he could spend under Tuchel’s tutelage over the last six months.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder

Mateo Kovacic needs more minutes to get his fitness up. He did look a bit rusty against Arsenal when he started. He’s yet to hit the heights he was at when Tuchel first arrived. He, along with Jorginho, were Tuchel’s preferred double-six midfield pivot before he got injured. Tuchel recognizes the talent that is the Croatian. Kovacic’s skillset is unique, and as such, many find it difficult to appreciate what he brings to the side.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Central midfielder

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was very good against Arsenal. He seems to be getting more confident in his body and it is good to see. He made several very good driving runs, but was only let down by decision making in terms of advancing the ball to the next phase of the attack. It is still preseason and that’s what preseason is for, making all the mistakes and trying all kinds of experiments. Loftus-Cheek is still seeing what works in what situations.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (No. 20) left wingback

Callum Hudson-Odoi played well in the left wingback role he was tasked with playing at The Emirates. He was comfortably driving infield and giving Arsenal’s right side a difficult day at the office. The Euro 2020 runners-up have only just arrived, so while Hudson-Odoi is not likely to feature in this role come the start of the season proper, he could still have to play there again. Tuchel seems ready to work with the youngster, it is to be seen if he is ready to work with the German though.

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