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Chelsea vs Tottenham predicted XI: Another 4-3-3 against Spurs?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

Supporters celebrate with Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount after team mate Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva scored their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in London on January 23, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters celebrate with Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount after team mate Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva scored their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in London on January 23, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Thiago Silva of Chelsea celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Thiago Silva of Chelsea celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Chelsea will welcome Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in what has always been a fierce battle (see: Battle of the Bridge). After one game each, Spurs have scored the most goals in the league and sit top of the table. Tottenham’s first match and the Blues’ first match were night and day. Spurs were very good; they were sharp and decisive. On the other hand, Chelsea was poor; it was slow, lethargic and difficult to watch. The Blues can only put out a better performance against Spurs on Sunday because they certainly could not do worse.

Thomas Tuchel has used a four-man back line during the last two times he faced Spurs, but he’s not likely to use one this time around, so expect another 3-4-3. Therefore, here is The Pride of London’s predicted XI for Chelsea’s clash with Spurs on Sunday:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Kepa Arrizabalaga is linked with a move to Napoli, not that it has anything to do with Edouard Mendy’s place in the team. Mendy is Chelsea’s No. 1 goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain

If anyone ever had any doubt as to Cesar Azpilicueta’s role in the coming season, the contract that Chelsea signed him to after the saga with FC Barcelona tells you all you need to know. Many don’t like the thought of the Blues’ captain being the starting centerback on the right side of the back line, but his leadership and communication with the other defenders are key factors in keeping him in the starting XI.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva has been magnificent for Chelsea since he arrived at the club. He saved the Blues several times in awkward situations. He’s not a fast player, but he has been so good positionally that he has drastically limited the amount of times he is required to get into a foot race.

Chelsea needs to keep at the back of its mind that Silva will not be this way forever. Yes, the Brazilian is still very athletic for his age, but it’s important for the Blues to err on the side of caution and start preparing for life without him. They cannot afford to be dependent on a 38-year-old centerback—that’s begging for trouble.

Kalidou Koulibaly (No. 26) Left centerback, Senegal

The good news is that Kalidou Koulibaly has opened his Premier League clean sheet account. The bad news is that he did not finish the game against Everton on matchday 1. The other good news is that Tuchel stated that it was just a knock and the Senegal international was only taken off as a precaution. Koulibaly was very good in his Premier League debut. He won seven out of 12 duels he contested and made seven defensive actions, including a last man tackle. He wasn’t that much of a threat at set pieces, but there’s still plenty of time for him to show what he can do there.

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