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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 – MAY 15: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Right winger, Germany

Kai Havertz was favored at some point this season and then he wasn’t. His last appearance for Chelsea was against Brighton and Hove Albion in a 10-minute cameo. His last start was near the beginning of January against Tottenham in the EFL Cup semifinal first leg. Since then, he’s had a 45-minute substitute appearance and a 10-minute cameo in five matches. The irritation from the Romelu Lukaku interview has led many to convince themselves that they preferred Havertz starting at center forward, but in reality, Havertz hasn’t been great for large parts of this season. People are still talking about how supposedly fluid the Blues are with him in the team, yet Havertz should be judged on real metrics that other attackers in the squad are judged on, not fluidity without end product.

Timo Werner (No. 11) Center forward, Germany

Timo Werner has not had nearly enough opportunities to play his way into form or into the starting line-up. This is in large part due to Lukaku’s arrival and Havertz’s good form in parts of the early season. Lukaku’s arrival meant less minutes for Havertz and Werner, then the injuries to Lukaku and Werner meant even more time out for the German. Contracting COVID-19 did not help the former RB Leipzig star either. He has already scored in this competition though, so it may be a good idea to keep giving him a run while his goal scoring form is still hot.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (No. 20) Left winger, England

Some statistics have been passed around about Callum Hudson-Odoi in the last few weeks. The statistics, while true, are intended to paint a certain picture. As usual, arguments are easier to win with statistics when you strip them of all context. However, what those numbers show is that Hudson-Odoi can deliver a lot more end product than he currently is, and it should be demanded of him.

He, like Havertz, should be judged on metrics other attackers are judged on. You may have seen that Hudson-Odoi has scored four league goals in four years, including this year, but the statistic is revealed for the purpose of painting the Englishman in a bad light. Hudson-Odoi has been getting few games and starts under different managers, and even so, he has contributed in other ways like big chances, assists and ball progression. Hudson-Odoi is currently the best ball career for Chelsea, carrying the ball forward every three carries!

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Who do you think makes the Blues’ starting XI? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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