The Pride of London
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner reacts after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 17, 2020. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP) /

Mason Mount (No. 19) Right winger, England

Mason Mount walks back into the starting line-up without a doubt. While his attacking output has faded in recent games, his presence improves the overall connection of the team. Chelsea’s forwards were often isolated up front against Manchester City, and it was obvious that the Blues needed a player who knows when to drop deep and when to push forward. Mount fulfils that role beautifully and his absence has been one of the reasons behind the poor performances in recent times. Tuchel even mentioned that he understands Lukaku’s game more than the others, which itself is a huge factor.

Romelu Lukaku (No. 9) Striker, Belgium

Lukaku has been pretty quiet in recent games. The Blues have failed to provide him with quality service and he has had to work with lacklustre crosses at times. The wingbacks struggled against Juventus and there was a clear gap between the midfield and the attack. Lukaku has also struggled to overcome his markers as City defended well and Juventus’ defence was magnificent midweek. He missed a header and a defence-splitting chance from Ross Barkley against Juventus and those are the details that can decide a game. Expect Lukaku to score a goal or two against Saints and remind everyone of his quality.

Timo Werner (No. 11) Left winger, Germany

Timo Werner has been in the news as his Chelsea future is unclear. With Lukaku leading the line, Werner will not play the central role in the crucial games. Now, that might not be a bad thing for the German as he played his best football at RB Leipzig with a target man alongside him. The other forwards have been underperforming, so it is only fair that Tuchel gives Werner an opportunity. Expect Werner to finally combine with Lukaku for a goal or two against Southampton.

Next. Chelsea vs Southampton: Four things to look for before break. dark

Who do you think makes Tuchel’s starting XI? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

Home/Premier League