Chelsea has secured UEFA Champions League qualification as a consequence of Tottenham Hotspur beating Burnley in addition to Arsenal losing to Newcastle United. This means that, while the Blues could still drop down the table before the end of the season, they will not drop any further than fourth. The first and most important step to making sure they ensure a third-place finish is by winning the match against Leicester City. Chelsea welcomes an in-form Foxes side to Stamford Bridge for its penultimate game of the 2021/22 Premier League season.
The Blues have just lost the FA Cup final on penalties to Liverpool, so who does Thomas Tuchel give the go-ahead to for this one as he looks for his side to bounce back?
Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal
Edouard Mendy was Chelsea’s most impactful player in the FA Cup final against Liverpool. He made some important saves during the game and then saved Sadio Mane’s penalty to keep the Blues in the penalty shootout. It was heartwarming to see Mendy save a penalty as it was a repayment of the faith Tuchel showed in him. This definitely means that Tuchel will no longer be bringing on Kepa Arrizabalaga just for penalties in future cup finals.
Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England
Trevoh Chalobah was solid in the FA Cup final. He played an important role in shutting out Liverpool’s infamous attack. Chalobah has now contributed to two clean sheets in his last two games; he kept a clean sheet in the game against Leeds United and now Liverpool. Chalobah is one of a few centerbacks with actual top flight experience that will definitely be at Chelsea next season, as he has already signed a new contract. The Blues are losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, so it’s a good thing Tuchel decided to integrate the young Englishman into the squad at the beginning of the season.
Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil
Thiago Silva is another centerback who Chelsea can be sure will be at the club next season. He has been the Blues’ best defender this season, and despite being the oldest outfielder in the league, he has held his own in most physical duels this season. Tuchel has managed his minutes very well this season as well. The Leicester City game will be tricky though as the Foxes have two lighting quick center forwards in Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy.
Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany
Antonio Rudiger will always start at left centerback if he’s fit.