Predicted Chelsea XI vs Blackburn: James starts in 4-2-3-1
![LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Todd Boehly, Chairman and Co-Owner of Chelsea, and Reece James of Chelsea are seen in attendance prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on August 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Todd Boehly, Chairman and Co-Owner of Chelsea, and Reece James of Chelsea are seen in attendance prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on August 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/410721c5ec4a82f3677c48a4be583d3e8ec3feab86371085995811fce9012b19.jpg)
Central Midfield: Lesley Ugochukwu (France)
Lesley Ugochukwu will certainly be one of the first players on the team sheet tomorrow. The 19 year old has done well for his age so far. The absence of Romeo Lavia has helped him indirectly but Ugochukwu has proved why he deserves to be a play for Chelsea’s first team with his composure on the ball and remarkable energy off the ball.
Central Midfield: Conor Gallagher (England)
Gallagher has been crucial to this side. And after being handed the armband, he has looked sharper and has played much more responsibly. His work rate would help Ugochukwu and the other talents who will be featuring tomorrow.
Premier League players with 15+ tackles, 15+ interceptions and 15+ possession wins in the attacking third this season:
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) October 30, 2023
- Conor Gallagher
- @WhoScored pic.twitter.com/RSJOWAFjLd
Central Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer (England)
Cole Palmer’s spot in the starting XI seems to be untouchable right now with him best our attacker by far. Pochettino would’ve liked to award him with some rest but he lacks options on the bench. Carney Chukwuemeka who returned from injury could’ve started tomorrow but the minor setback he experienced will not let him do so. If he passes the fitness test, we could see him coming off the bench.