Chelsea are being tipped as potential title contenders this season, so this weekend represents a real chance to throw down a marker to their rivals.
The Blues are preparing to travel to Tottenham on Sunday for an exciting Premier League away fixture.
Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Spurs 1-0 in the same fixture last season back in February, with Jorginho scoring the winner from the penalty spot.
Christian Pulisic is missing through injury tomorrow, but apart from that there is a fully fit squad making the short trip to north London.
Here The Chelsea Chronicle predicts Tuchel’s starting line-up to face Spurs, which includes two changes from midweek when they beat Zenit St Petersburg 1-0 in the Champions League:
Defence:
For certain, reliable number one goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is going to be in the XI. He’s conceded just one goal in the opening four Premier League matches.
It will be a surprise if Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta doesn’t slot into his usual role as the right-sided centre-back in a back-three. Likewise, expect ever-present Antonio Rudger to be on the left.
However, the first of two changes may come in the heart of the backline.
Andreas Christensen has been near-faultless under Tuchel, but perhaps more experienced campaigner Thiago Silva will return at the weekend. It’s an even toss up between the pair, but Silva did get the nod in the previous league match.
Midfield:
Reece James and Marcos Alonso will surely retain their spots at wing-back from the Zenit victory. James is available again in the league after his one-game suspension, while Alonso loves playing against Spurs.
A big question is centred around whether or not N’Golo Kante comes back into the XI now that he’s been declared fit to play.
There will be a temptation to start him, but perhaps he’ll be used off the bench to allow the in-form duo of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho to keep their starting positions.
Attack:
The second change may see £150,000-a-week German attacker Kai Havertz recalled. He’s still waiting to find top gear this season, but expect him to replace teammate Hakim Ziyech. Unfortunately, Ziyech couldn’t make the most of his start against Zenit.
In addition, Mason Mount should keep his position in attack.
Romelu Lukaku looks like the nailed-on starter to play as the lone frontman in matches this season.
Predicted Chelsea 3-4-2-1 line-up
Mendy
Azpilicueta Silva Rudiger
James Kovacic Jorginho Alonso
Mount Havertz
Lukaku