Chelsea at Middlesbrough predicted XI: Experimental 4-3-3

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. - 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 Glyn KIRK / 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 GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LUTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their team’s third goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Luton Town and Chelsea at Kenilworth Road on March 02, 2022 in Luton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right winger, Morocco

Hakim Ziyech came on for seven minutes against Lille in midfield, probably to keep him match sharp. Ziyech has created nine chances in his two FA Cup games so far. He has created the most big chances amongst Chelsea players in all competitions this season. The Moroccan was also the Blues’ best player the last time he started and it’s easy to see why he starts when fit. He was the first to unlock Newcastle’s tight defense by finding Kai Havertz with one of his signature crosses, a cross which Havertz headed straight at the Newcastle goalie. He will not be going for the upcoming international break as he has retired from international football—quite dramatically, might I add—but this only helps Chelsea as it means he’ll be able to rest and heal over the break.

Romelu Lukaku (No. 9) Striker, Belgium

Romelu Lukaku has scored more goals than any other Chelsea player in the FA Cup this season. He even scored the Blues’ winning goal against Luton. Lukaku has caught on to the reality that competition for places at Chelsea is high, which is good for squad strength. He has not started a game in a while and until he does, it’s unfair to accuse him of not doing what Havertz has been doing, considering that they’re both tied on goals in all competitions. This is despite Lukaku playing fewer games, minutes and being injured for a substantial amount of time during the season.

Christian Pulisic (No. 10) Left winger, United States

Christian Pulisic was the definition of clinical against Lille when he converted the only chance he got to put Chelsea level in the match, and 3-1 up on aggregate. The midfielders did not really pull their weight in that match and the forwards suffered as a result. Pulisic’s ability to run in behind defenses and exploit gaps left there is best taken advantage of by Ziyech. The chemistry between those two is strong and playing together, as often as possible, is a recipe for big chances. Pulisic is in hot form now and with Ziyech comfortably settling into the role of “chief creator” at the moment, there’s no limit to what those two can do when they’re on the pitch together.

dark. Next. Chelsea learns its UEFA Champions League fate with Friday's draw

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