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Chelsea at Luton Town predicted XI: 3-4-3 in FA Cup fifth round

By Gabe Henderson

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) /
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Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Jorginho gestures on the pitch after the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle at Stamford Bridge in London on February 5, 2022. – Chelsea won the game 2-1 after extra time. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Jorginho gestures on the pitch after the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle at Stamford Bridge in London on February 5, 2022. – Chelsea won the game 2-1 after extra time. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Christian Pulisic (No. 10) Right wingback, United States

Cesar Azpilicueta hobbled off the Wembley Stadium pitch on Sunday, forcing Reece James into action. The latter played 70 minutes in his first game back from injury, so it’d be truly shocking to see either fullback start a midweek FA Cup clash. Therefore, it’s Christian Pulisic’s turn to be thrown back into the mix in a more defensive role as there are few other options. Pulisic has played well recently and despite starting against Liverpool, he did eventually get substituted.

Truth be told, I originally had Callum Hudson-Odoi penciled into this spot, but I believe the Blues get more effective performances from the pairing of Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic with them at these new positions. Pulisic is much better than his teammate in the right wingback spot. Although people won’t be thrilled to see him play deeper in the starting XI, it’s a necessary change Tuchel must make to preserve the health of his other wingback options.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has oddly been out of the starting XI for three of Chelsea’s last four games. The fact he came off the bench against the Reds on Sunday means it’s been more of a tactical adjustment, as opposed to an injury or other reasons. It’s perfectly normal to see N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic slot in over the Italian for a few games without much meaning behind the changes. This recent string of starting on the bench does not change Jorginho’s importance to this team one bit. He could be one of the most crucial pieces in the starting XI against the Hatters by dictating tempo.

Saul (No. 17) Central midfielder, Spain

Saul hasn’t played as big of a part as many had initially hoped when his loan move to England was first announced. Nevertheless, he’s put in some commendable shifts over the last few months and it’s been nice to see him grow into the English game. Saul struggled at first but he’s really come around as a utility man in numerous positions. He may be given a well-deserved start at Luton.

Kenedy (No. 23) Left wingback, Brazil

If you’ve already forgotten Kenedy was recalled to Chelsea, you’d be forgiven. The Blues brought the Brazilian back from his loan move in his native country early as an emergency option at wingback. Ben Chilwell is out for the season and even though Sarr has been a pleasant surprise as a left wingback, it’s Kenedy who may make his . . . well, anticipated . . . return to the XI. Marcos Alonso was fantastic against Liverpool, which is exactly why he needs rest before some of the huge fixtures still to come.

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