Chelsea at Burnley predicted XI: Hakim Ziyech returns in a 3-4-1-2

Chelsea's English defender Reece James celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s English defender Reece James celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James seems to be back from injury fully now. He came on as a substitute for the injured Cesar Azpilicueta against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final. He didn’t really have a good game, but he can be forgiven seeing as he was just returning from injury. Tuchel has been very careful to ease James back into play, as re-injury is something he’d want to avoid at all costs. James leads the Blues in chances created per game (1.9). He also ranks joint-second in the squad for big chances created and assists. His goals also make him second highest in the team for goals plus assists in the Premier League. James is an important figure for Chelsea.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

N’Golo Kante likely starts this one. He had a very good game against Liverpool on Sunday and sat out the Luton game. Tuchel has been very careful to manage Kante’s minutes, which is very good. The Frenchman has been in very good form, and the Blues need all of their top players in the best form for the rest of the season with important games coming thick and fast.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has been key for Chelsea since the beginning of the season. His injury hit the Blues hard and many fans still didn’t even realize it. Kovacic ranks really high in many categories for Chelsea. The Croatian leads his side in tackles per game, as well as the percentage of successful dribbles for the Blues in the Premier League. He ranks joint-highest for big chances created for Tuchel’s side in the league this season, as well. Kovacic ranks second highest for assists too. His passing is arguably the best in midfield as he leads Chelsea in through balls with only a few players on the team attempting them at all.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso ranks fourth for Chelsea in chances created per game (1.3) he also ranks joint-third for big chances created (3). Furthermore, he leads the team in interceptions per game in the Premier League. The position he plays is one of the most specialized positions in this system as it is an incredibly difficult position to play. There is a reason Tuchel has stuck with Alonso in that position, even sometimes when Ben Chilwell was fit. Alonso has now played 19 out of 25 league games for the Blues, starting 16 of them.

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