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

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Lewis Hall of Chelsea in action during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge on January 8, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Lewis Hall of Chelsea in action during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Chesterfield at Stamford Bridge on January 8, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Saúl Ñíguez of Chelsea 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: Saúl Ñíguez of Chelsea 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) /

Saul (No. 17) Defensive midfielder, Spain

The fact that it’s Plymouth might be enough motivation to trust Saul with being the lone defensive midfielder. Saul is beginning to regain the trust of not just Tuchel, but the fans as well. He’ll be required to make the right passing option at all times and recover the ball before it develops into anything worthwhile for the opposition. He should not be left on an island, otherwise it could be awkward, and not because it’s Saul, but because it’d be awkward to leave any player on an island, especially a player in a defensive role.

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

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has not been playing due to injury. This is the perfect game to ease him back into play, if he is fit to return in time for kickoff. Chelsea is going to be competing for the Club World Cup, Champions League and FA Cup, as well as trying to cement its place in the top two or top three in the Premier League, in the coming months. Loftus-Cheek, for the most part, has taken the chances handed to him. However, a poor performance at Manchester United and subsequent underwhelming games from him have made people to grow frustrated with him again, not to mention his injury, which felt like a matter of when and not if.

Harvey Vale (No. 68) Central attacking midfielder, England

Harvey Vale had an appearance against Brentford, and it’s difficult to really gauge his performance considering the fact that he was taken off at halftime. He definitely didn’t impress and he has not made an appearance again since then, though no academy player who played against Brentford has. Brentford is a Premier League club, after all, and it cannot be held against him that he didn’t light up the world against the Bees. He may get another opportunity to impress, it should be easier to make an impact against these opponents.

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