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Chelsea at Spurs predicted XI: 4-2-3-1 to step into EFL Cup final

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Timo Werner of Chelsea is challenged by Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Timo Werner of Chelsea is challenged by Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 02: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic came off at halftime against Chesterfield and that was a smart decision by Tuchel, especially because the Blues were leading 4-0 at the time. Many fans were irritated with the line-up as they thought it was too strong for a club like Chesterfield, but fans have to realize that Tuchel is well within his rights to field whatever team he wants and he’s under no obligation to make things even remotely more difficult for himself by fielding an intentionally weaker team.

Kovacic will most likely play in this game, as he was crucial to Chelsea’s win in the first leg. Tuchel also mentioned needing to build the match fitness of some of his first teamers. While many would have wanted to see a full XI of players under 19 years old, top level football is a lot more than sentiment and fairy tales.

Saul (No. 17) Central midfielder, Spain

Saul was very good against Spurs in the first leg. He won eight of 11 duels. The Spaniard also made a match high seven tackles, making 10 defensive actions in all. Saul’s distribution was good, often picking the right passing option and retaining the ball very well. He also created two chances, which is never bad on the CV of a central midfielder.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central attacking midfielder, England

Mason Mount turns 23 the day this piece is written and he deserves all the plaudits he’s getting. He’s been judged quite harshly sometimes by certain sections of the fanbase, but that’s partly due to jealousy and partly due to some fans looking at him in comparison of some former players, forgetting that there’s only one of each player.

For instance, if you went through fbref on Kevin de Bruyne’s profile, you’d see that there are players similar to him. However, there’s only one de Bruyne in world football. Mount is a top player in his own right. He may not be the expert creator many want him to be, or the prolific attacking midfielder many wish him to be, but the numbers speak for themselves. Whether you’re a “stats person” or not, he’s clearly leading in many key metrics for his position and that’s credit to him.

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