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Chelsea at Brentford predicted XI: 3-4-2-1 only recognizable thing

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea celebrate during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea celebrate during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Dion Rankine (No. 53) Right wingback, England

There’s not extensive record of Dion Rankine’s work. Rankine would do well to focus on doing the simple things right, should he play as a right wingback against Brentford. The 19 year-old has played a number of different positions for the under-23s, including—but not limited to—right midfield, right wing, attacking midfield, left midfield and left wing. He has, however, made more appearances on the right side, with 68 percent of his outings coming as a right midfielder or winger.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic may be one of very few senior players to start in this game. As much as it’s a Carabao Cup game, it is still a game that Chelsea wants to win. Getting a very strong pivot can afford Tuchel the courage to put inexperienced academy players around them. Kovacic was a big part of why Chelsea was playing so well under Tuchel, since the German arrived last January, and his injury has affected the team much more than many expect it to. Kovacic’s superb ability to not only press off the ball, but also beat a press when in possession, is second to none in the league. The earlier Chelsea can start Kovacic, the better for the whole team.

Saul Niguez (No. 17) Central midfielder, Spain

Saul played very well against Wolves. He came on as a halftime substitute, after coming off at halftime in his first two Premier League starts. Saul also had a fairly good outing against Zenit. He missed the header that led to Everton’s equalizer though. Saul is taller than Thiago Silva by one centimeter and should be doing better on that header. Circumstances have forced Tuchel to continue to play the Spaniard, despite him not being stellar in most games.

Harvey Vale (No. 68) Left wingback, England

Harvey Vale is another youngster who could get his chance. He probably would prefer to make his debut as a forward, but if he does well in whatever position he is played, he’d get chances to make starts in more advanced roles. Chelsea’s injury and COVID-19 list is so long that there’s no way Tuchel doesn’t hand out several debuts before December 31st. Chelsea has the best academy in the world and therefore, automatically has the advantage over any other team if it ever has to call upon players that are neither first teamers nor registered fringe players.

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