Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted XI: Does Koulibaly make his debut in 3-4-3?
Chelsea is still in preseason, but this is no friendly. Arsenal is not to be played against, the Gunners are to be crushed. Here’s who we think Thomas Tuchel selects to carry out said crushing from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida:
Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal
Edouard Mendy had a good outing against Charlotte FC, except for the shot that nearly passed under him in that first half. This line-up will likely have the team Tuchel sees starting the first league game of the season. Kepa Arrizabalaga has played well, but at this point, Chelsea wishes someone would put in a bid for the Spaniard. Mendy is likely to play the bulk of goalkeeping minutes, with early cup games likely going to one of the youth goalkeepers. Arrizabalaga is too good to be the Blues’ back-up keeper, especially when you consider his wages.
Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England
In this Levi Colwill saga, many fans have already forgotten Trevoh Chalobah and his role in the squad. Chelsea seems close to a deal with Jules Kounde for a permanent transfer. If Kounde arrives, Chalobah is likely pushed out of the squad and the likely starting centerback partnership would be Kalidou Koulibaly-Thiago Silva-Kounde. Reece James and Ben Chilwell/Marcos Alonso would be the wingbacks.
In all the rush to blame the Blues and Tuchel for neglecting an inexperienced centerback, many fans forgot about the centerback who already broke through into the first team. He may lose his spot, a spot that he doesn’t deserve to lose. If Kounde doesn’t arrive, Chalobah is likely to be entrusted with a key role at right centerback. He is one of the few players that looked fit against Club America, and it may explain why he hasn’t played since then, as the point of preseason is getting players match-ready and Chalobah is already there.
Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil
Silva is going to start because this is an important game. Yes, it’s preseason, but it’s Arsenal.
Kalidou Koulibaly (No. 26) Left centerback, Senegal
It would be good to see Koulibaly don Chelsea colours for the first time in a match situation. Koulibaly is yet to get a minute of preseason football, but this could be because he’s expected to need much less preparation time.