Chelsea are currently navigating through a crisis and results must soon start falling in Graham Potter’s favour as pressure piles on the former Brighton boss. A strong showing against Tottenham Hotspur is the bare minimum that Chelsea can do and nothing less than three points will suffice.
There have been calls on social media to sack Potter and bring in a more seasoned manager but his job is safe for now. Results will need to go Chelsea’s way or the owners will start to lose confidence in Potter and a sack could eventually be the answer.
Ahead of the game against Spurs, Chelsea received massive injury boost as Reece James, Thiago Silva, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling returned to the squad and are available for selection. N’Golo Kante also returned to training after a lengthy lay off of almost six months. Potter will have some important decisions to make when it comes to choosing the lineup against city rivals Tottenham.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Tottenham
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Undoubtedly, Kepa will start between the sticks against Spurs. The Spaniard has been decent and has kept most things out of his goal. With Edouard Mendy still out with a shoulder injury, Kepa will be the undisputed starter for the Blues.
Defence:
Right back: Reece James
Reece James missed the home game against Southampton but should be back in the lineup for the Spurs game. Captain Cesar Azpilicueta will not be available as he sits out because of concussion protocols. James will offer pace and attacking freedom on the right flank.
Centre back: Thiago Silva
Potter must be scratching his head over the centre back selection. Thiago Silva and Benoit Badiashile forged an unbreakable partnership before the Brazilian was left out of the Southampton game because of fitness concerns.
In his absence, Wesley Fofana played for 45 minutes with Badiashile and the duo looked remarkable. With Chelsea desperately needing three points, Potter will choose experience of Silva in a game against Spurs.
Centre back: Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile is an undisputed starter given his current form. He acts as Chelsea’s sweeper and looks very comfortable even under pressure. Badiashile has ben excellent with Silva as well as Fofana but with Silva, Badiashile feels a bit more secure.
Left back: Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell should get the nod ahead of Marc Cucurella. With Cucurella struggling on the pitch, it is best to give him some space and continue to use Chilwell in the left back role. The former Leicester City man is slowly getting back into his groove after missing a substantial part of the season due to an injury.
Midfield:
Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has settled quickly at Stamford Bridge and is undoubtedly a start in the midfield. The Argentine does see his influence limit a bit because of his extra defensive duties but Fernandez has remained an energetic presence in the midfield. The 22 year old’s progression in tight spaces will come in handy which will help Chelsea in building the attack.
Central midfield: Denis Zakaria
Even though Kante has returned and is available for selection, Potter is likely to slowly draft him into the side. Kante will get a short cameo this weekend but it will be Denis Zakaria starting alongside Fernandez. Zakaria is a packet of energy and tenacity who could benefit with Fernandez’s presence alongside him.
Attacking midfield: Joao Felix
Potter must start Joao Felix ahead of Mason Mount. Mount started the last game but has been under firing for his recent performances and dropping him would be a wise decision. On top of that, Mount’s contract talks have stalled. The Portuguese provides the imagination and operates with a sense of freedom that is refreshing to watch. Felix often likes to play deep and then advance forward, making use of space and drawing the opposition out of position.
Attack:
Right wing: Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling missed the Southampton game but should not only be back fit for Spurs tie but also start in it. The Englishman has had an electric connection with James on the right side and the duo could be on display during the game.
Striker: Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz was dropped last weekend in favour of David Datro Fofana. The youngster did not offer much threat while going forward and was hooked at half time. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has trained well but Potter looks unfazed by the Aubameyang talks. Havertz isn’t the most effective solution but having him start is better than Fofana who is still learning the art of the game.
Left wing: Mykhaylo Mudryk
Apart from a fiery cameo, Mykhaylo Mudryk has struggled to hit the ground running at Chelsea. When he is on the ball, he looks sharp and venomous but loses the ball far too often, something that the Ukrainian will have to improve upon if he is to succeed in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see how Mudryk combines with Chilwell on the left flank. The 22 year old will be looking for one moment where he can announce himself as one of the top players in the world right now.
Will CFC win against Spurs?