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Chelsea vs Southampton predicted XI: Rotated XI from Tuchel

By Vansh Ambashta

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Oriol Romeu of Southampton battles for possession with Ben Chilwell of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, 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 Matthew Childs - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Oriol Romeu of Southampton battles for possession with Ben Chilwell of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, 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 Matthew Childs - Pool/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea claps the fans following the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea claps the fans following the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

The upcoming match against Southampton is more than just a game to Chelsea. It is an opportunity—an opportunity to make a statement, to make a comeback. A few of the Blues’ players have been mediocre for too long, they need to wake up, and Thomas Tuchel recognizes that. On the other hand, some players are hungry and forcing their way into Tuchel’s line-up. Here’s a look at Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Saints on Saturday.

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy has played well this season when fit. He has made some crucial stops and has often been the difference between a single goal defeat and a five-goal rout. While the Blues have failed to keep a clean sheet in the past couple of games, Mendy wasn’t at fault for either goal. It took an unfortunate deflection and a world class finish to beat the goalkeeper.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta has been reliable in defence as always. He has had to play as a right wingback due to Reece James’ unfortunate injury. Considering Chelsea’s attacking woes, it would be suitable to start a more attack-minded player in that position at the weekend though. Hence, Azpilicueta returns to his favoured right centerback position. Azpilicueta will have to ensure that the Blues show a lot more energy and intent against Saints than they have done in the past week or so.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Centerback, Denmark

Thiago Silva started against Juventus and played over an hour against Manchester City. This means that he probably needs a rest, and Andreas Christensen can shift over to the central position. Christensen has played well on the right side of the back three. Juventus seemed happy to sit back in its own half and hence, Christensen wasn’t involved as much. He did seem to switch off for Federico Chiesa’s goal, but that seemed to catch the entire team by surprise. Other than that, he was calm, composed and looked good on the ball. Tuchel will hope that Christensen continues to do more of the same and keeps a clean sheet against Saints.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger has played perhaps the best football of his career since Tuchel took over. He is a man in form and that confidence is visible in everything he does on the pitch. The German has put in some magnificent tackles in his half to thwart potential attacks or even goals. He doesn’t have a back-up in his position, and it is clear that Tuchel values him, and he has played every minute for Chelsea in the Premier League this season (the only player to do so). Recent reports suggest that the contract negotiations have not proceeded and Tuchel will have to start looking for a new player in that position if the situation continues. These off-field distractions should not impact his game, expect a strong performance against Southampton.

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