Chelsea vs Plymouth predicted XI: 4-1-4-1 second test in FA Cup

Chelsea welcomes Plymouth Argyle to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. The Blues eased past Chesterfield in the third round in a game many expected that Thomas Tuchel would be a lot more experimental with the line-up. This game is a rare opportunity to give playing time to players who’ve gotten the shorter end of the stick this season, rather than stuffing the starting line-up with 18-year-old academy players. Tuchel needs all senior players fit and sharp as they approach the business end of the season.

Therefore, who does Tuchel give the need to see off Plymouth this weekend?

Marcus Bettinelli (No. 13) Goalkeeper, England

It makes sense that Marcus Bettinelli should start this one as he also started the last game in this competition against Chesterfield, and with all due respect to Plymouth, Chelsea doesn’t need its first choice goalkeeper between the sticks in this one. The Englishman made a remarkable save for the chance that Chesterfield eventually scored. He’d have wanted the clean sheet, but that one was out of his hands.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta likely starts this game, especially if or because Reece James is back. Tuchel started experimenting with a 4-1-4-1 against Tottenham Hotspur, though he did admit that many factors—including opposition and available personnel—motivated that decision. This formation allows Chelsea’s fullbacks to alternate between going forward and staying back to keep three defenders at the back at most times though. Many are fussing about Azpilicueta’s effectiveness going forward, an agitation that has no basis.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Centerback, Denmark

Andreas Christensen has been out of the line-up for a short while with injury. If fit, he likely comes in against Plymouth. It would be the perfect match to ease him back into the starting XI. It seems to be getting increasingly clear that the Danish centerback will not be with the Blues come the new season, and Chelsea can only wish him success in the future (unless he goes to a direct rival).

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger has played well in this formation and it bodes well for his future at the club. A lot of questions have been asked about him in a back four, questions that many think he has answered with flying colors, though in reality he’s still yet to answer many of them. For the most part, Tuchel and Chelsea fans can trust him to perform in any role he’s assigned and barring any particularly careless moments, the Blues should be fine with him in a back four.

Lewis Hall (No. 75) Left back, England

Lewis Hall played excellently against Chesterfield, but Tuchel has not started him again since then. This is fair, as there’s no need to force his development. Chesterfield is a non-league side, and while Hall can only play against the team in front of him, it benefits no one pretending that he’s ready for much more competitive matches. He took his opportunity and that’s why he will likely get another chance on Saturday.