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Chelsea at Watford predicted XI: Thomas Tuchel’s difficult selection

By Vansh Ambashta

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel the manager / head coach of Chelsea at full time of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel the manager / head coach of Chelsea at full time of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s English defender Reece James smiles on the pitch after the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Chelsea and Juventus at Stamford Bridge in London on November 23, 2021. – Chelsea won the game 4-0. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English defender Reece James smiles on the pitch after the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Chelsea and Juventus at Stamford Bridge in London on November 23, 2021. – Chelsea won the game 4-0. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

James is in the form of his life right now. He has been one of the best players in the world in recent times. Along with Chilwell, James was wreaking havoc on the wings, and the wingbacks seemed to be unstoppable. Unfortunately, Chilwell is out with a long-term injury and the attacking burden appears to be on James’ shoulders until Alonso finds form. Against Man United, James played the role of a makeshift left wingback in the last few minutes. While he didn’t look uncomfortable going forward, he always tended to cut back and cross with his favoured right foot. James should spend most of the game in the opposition’s half and expect a goal from the best wingback in the world.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho finished third at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday. He is an integral part of Chelsea’s structure and it was alarming to hear from Tuchel that he could be injured. With Kovacic and Kante out for the game, the Blues will need Jorginho to start against Watford. The Italian made a huge mistake this weekend when his touch led to a Man United goal. However, considering his experience and quality, he will be quick to move on and anchor Chelsea’s play against the Hornets.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (No. 12) Central midfielder, England

This season, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been very good and Tuchel has converted him into a midfielder with a commanding presence in a pivot. The Englishman’s performance was below the mark against Man United, and he will look to improve against Watford. Loftus-Cheek assisted Callum Hudson-Odoi against Juventus when he managed to dribble through a few defenders in the box. The towering midfielder will hope to pull off something similar against Watford.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso was excellent at the beginning of the season. He was consistently putting in world-class performances and starting every game. With Chilwell out, Chelsea needs Alonso to step up and take responsibility. As Tuchel mentioned in his press conference, Alonso is the specialist in the position and should be the first choice, despite the numerous attacking options available. Expect Alonso to start against Watford and put in a consistent shift.

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