Chelsea at Leeds predicted XI: Romelu Lukaku slots into 3-4-1-2
Chelsea completely bottled the Wolverhampton Wanderers game by conceding two needless goals after playing very well for large parts of the game. There are now reports that Thomas Tuchel has fallen out with his only available competent left wingback, Marcos Alonso, as well. This is of course exactly what the Blues need as they’ve not had enough off-field drama this season. On the bright side, Chelsea now has a new owner unless something extraordinary happens. Todd Boehly’s consortium has been selected as the preferred bidder and he was present at Stamford Bridge to watch the Blues’ last match against Wolves. He looked on as Chelsea took a two-goal lead, and then watched it capitulate. The Blues are now just one point ahead of Arsenal, which means that the next game they do not win could see them lose third place.
Who does Tuchel now trust to bring home the three points? Here is Chelsea’s predicted XI for its upcoming trip to Elland Road to square off against Leeds United:
Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal
Edouard Mendy was not really bad against Wolves. In fact, he was quite good as he made a crucial save in the game from point-blank range. Mendy has been consistent this season, and he has had rough patches like every player in the squad—or like every player that has ever existed. Chelsea’s defense is no longer as good as it once was, so Mendy has had a more difficult job in recent times.
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Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England
Cesar Azpilicueta has been poor in the last two games. Yes, he is the captain and his leadership is important, but it’s a bit difficult to lead by example when you’re not setting said example. Azpilicueta was comfortably the worst player on the pitch against Wolves. Trevoh Chalobah also has his drawbacks, but as things stand, it’s fair to say that Tuchel may need to make changes in the back line after throwing away a late two-goal lead.
Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil
Thiago Silva was good against Wolves, but not as good as he could’ve been. His lack of speed is getting exploited more and more by opponents. He is a very intelligent player and he always makes sure he avoids getting into foot races with the wrong opponents. But he doesn’t always have control of that and he does end of sometimes getting into said races. Against Wolves, he got put on his backside for the first goal. Silva has struggled as much as anyone else in the team this season and he too needs a break.
Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany
Chelsea fans went from not rating Antonio Rudiger highly to rating him extremely highly. Many refused to acknowledge the fact that his performances had a lot to do with the system put in place. The general assumption was that he’d be exposed in a two-centerback formation, but even in a three-centerback formation, it’s becoming clearer that Rudiger is not—and was never—a world class centerback.