Chelsea vs Tottenham predicted XI: Tuchel’s best for Conte’s return
![LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea is challenged by Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea is challenged by Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5952d1a131ac93cd69421eeb8cab01add6f33398be3c7e78a1bb092767eb3d7b.jpg)
Kai Havertz (No. 29), Centre forward, Germany
Kai Havertz is another Chelsea forward whose career in west London has yet to really get going. He is a “generational talent” according to many pundits, but he needs to show his talent frequently on your television sets every week. It is essential to understand that the German has struggled with COVID-19 (numerous times), injuries and he has missed several chances to continue his form when he’s on his game for these reasons.
Playing Havertz and Lukaku up top could be an exciting decision as it would allow the pair to develop some chemistry, as we’ve seen throughout the season early on. Lukaku has often stated that he loves playing in a two-striker formation, and this is possible with Havertz next to him. Expect Havertz to start and put in an impressive performance.
Romelu Lukaku (No. 9), Centre forward, Belgium
Whether or not you feel anything toward Lukaku due to his interview is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is the Belgian was brought in to play week in week out in the biggest games, and Chelsea cannot let its record-signing seem distracted on the pitch. He needs to sort out the issues that are bothering him and work hard to prove himself to the fans. Tuchel and Lukaku have been discussing this regularly and trying to find a proper solution, which many hope is the case.
Tuchel recently stated that Lukaku is part of the attack, and he needs to work on creating more chances and taking more chances. It was evident against Manchester City that Lukaku was lacking a bit of confidence. He needs to win the manager’s trust back and focus on winning the fans back, as well. Stamford Bridge’s faithful found his comments disrespectful and there’s only one way for Lukaku to find his place back, score as many goals as he possibly can. This is especially true when playing Tottenham. Lukaku has to score soon, he just needs to.
Next. Marcos Alonso is no longer good enough for Chelsea Football Club. dark
Who do you think makes the Blues’ starting XI? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!