UEFA Super Cup: Chelsea vs Villarreal predicted XI, 3-5-2 or 3-4-3?

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

Callum Hudson-Odoi has played well this preseason, as well. His passing, pressing and defensive awareness have been commendable. He has looked like a man on a mission. Hudson-Odoi clearly doesn’t want to go on loan so there’s only one way to make his case: by showing the manager why every time he gets minutes, he’s been doing that this preseason. Of course, preseason friendlies are much different from competitive games in intensity and quality. This game gives the youngster a chance to show that he can deliver in crucial moments like cup finals on the big stage. Hudson-Odoi’s ability to play comfortably from the left flank and the right flank will make him a dangerous asset this season.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has gotten more minutes this preseason than Jorginho and so he should be expected to start. This is likely Tuchel’s final assessment of the players who he thinks could start the Premier League season opener, if Tuchel is still doing any assessment at all. Kovacic was Tuchel’s No. 1 selection for the No. 6 role when he first arrived. Tuchel knows that Kovacic needs game time to get back to where he was, but he also has to decide carefully what games to give him as the wrong game could damage his confidence and send him further down the pecking order. Chelsea doesn’t have someone who can do what Kovacic does in he middle of the park, retaining possession in midfield, helping the Blues initiate and break presses, as well as attempting through balls behind the opposition lines.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

N’Golo Kante has shown that Chelsea is a much better team with him in the side. He is one of the few world class players the Blues have, having shown his worth in several situations. His trophy haul, while nearly complete, would be on it’s way to being complete if the Blues win the UEFA Super Cup. Further, his presence in the side will give the Blues the biggest chance of winning it. Kante played a crucial against Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League last season. He continued showing why opponents don’t want him on the pitch on his first start this preseason against Tottenham Hotspur in the Mind Series.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Not much is known about Ben Chilwell’s fitness as of yet, so it would not be surprising to see the Spaniard start. Tuchel clearly likes Alonso even though he (Alonso) is disliked by a vocal portion of the fan base. He’s very efficient in the left wingback role and it’s no surprise Tuchel prefers to keep him to Emerson. His communication with his same side wide attacker is very good and his defensive awareness is equally as good. He’s also one of Chelsea’s non-attacking goal threats, which for a team that didn’t score much last season, will be essential. Of course, Chilwell will likely start games as soon as he’s fit, but not before.