Chelsea vs Brentford predicted XI : Lukaku dropped again in 3-4-3?

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James finally returned from his major injury recently, but he was almost immediately sidelined again. He was set to miss four games, but the international break means he will be ready by now, according to his manager. James is looking a lot like he will be Chelsea’s version of Trent Alexander-Arnold in a year, if he isn’t that already. James now ranks high in several chance creation metrics for Chelsea. He leads the team in expected assists per 90 (xA90) amongst players who have played up to 500 minutes this season. He also leads the Blues in chances created per 90 (2.43). He’s essential to how Chelsea builds up play and he has a wicked cross on him.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has been scapegoated for Italy’s inability to qualify for the World Cup finals, marking the second year in a row he comes under fire for his international performances. This is silly—but unsurprising—as many were always looking for reasons to claim that he shouldn’t have been crowned the third-best player in the world at the last Ballon d’Or award ceremony. At the end of the day, Jorginho is a top footballer in his own right, and no one will take away anything he accomplished last year, despite not playing at those levels at the moment.

There are few players that can play the role Jorginho plays at the level he does consistently.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has been a key player for Chelsea this season. In terms of chance creation and winning the ball back, Kovacic has been superb. His numbers show that Chelsea’s ball movement is much better when he’s in the side, and this means the Blues can create more chances down the middle and more chances in general. His dribbling, passing and tackling have helped Chelsea gain and maintain control of the midfield in games throughout the campaign.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso was finally rewarded for his performances this season with a call-up to the Spanish National Team. Alonso played 64 minutes in a friendly against Albania and he was replaced by Jordi Alba. He came on as a substitute in the second Spain game in the 58′ and assisted Pablo Sarabia twice in a 5-0 washing down of Iceland. Alonso has been hounded by the Chelsea fanbase and criticized unfairly for not being Ben Chilwell. He has been consistent under Tuchel last season and this season, his call up to Spain only acts to emphasize that point.