Chelsea at Southampton predicted XI: 3-4-1-2 is the only way is up
Romelu Lukaku (No. 9) Right forward, Belgium
Lukaku’s exclusion from the starting lineups becomes more baffling the more he’s excluded. Christian Pulisic started over Lukaku against Real Madrid and the American was horrendous. Chelsea looked instantly better when Lukaku came on. Shameless fans are still slandering Lukaku for missing a big chance the one time his teammates decide to actually cross the ball to him. It may be by instruction, but it’s surprising Hakim Ziyech didn’t cross more often when Lukaku came on, as the Blues’ biggest scoring chance was from a cross to the Belgian. Lukaku should be starting more games. He’s now tied with Kai Havertz for most goals scored in all competitions this season. He was listed as a matchday decision for this game by Tuchel, but my gut says he goes.
Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Central attacking midfielder, Morocco
It was a surprise to see Ziyech start from the bench against Real Madrid, and nothing that happened in the match justified that decision. Yes, Tuchel is allowed to make whatever decision he feels will serve the club’s interest best, but the decision to start Ziyech on the bench was a questionable one. This is glaring with his decision to bring on Ziyech at the earliest opportunity. Of course, Chelsea didn’t attack much down the right winger’s flank, so that made the substitution less impactful than it should’ve been. Ziyech has created one less clear-cut chance in the league than Mason Mount, in more than 600 fewer minutes and without playing any of the extremely open teams like Norwich City and Arsenal that Chelsea played against, who were quite open when the Blues played them. Those games account for 75% (six of eight) of Mount’s big chances, enough said. Ziyech was also dubbed questionable, but like Lukaku, I’d imagine he suits up.
Kai Havertz (No. 29) Left forward, Germany
Havertz gave the Blues a lifeline they later squandered. All Chelsea needed to do was not concede a third goal and it could take a one-goal deficit to the Santiago Bernabeu with all to play for. The good thing is that the Blues are not further weighed down by the away goals rule. Chelsea can try to at least force the game to extra time in the return leg. Havertz was very good against Real Madrid. He was one of the few Chelsea players who wasn’t an utter disgrace.
Next. What is N’Golo Kante’s position within the Chelsea team?. dark
Who do you think Tuchel names to the starting XI in the Blues’ journey to Southampton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!