When Chelsea travels to rival Fulham in the Premier League on Monday, Mauricio Pochettino will need to make some significant decisions. The Argentine head coach is now charged with trying to create some momentum inside this struggling Blues team after coming off of a much-needed victory over Brighton earlier in the week.
As Mauricio Pochettino addressed the media at Cobham on Friday afternoon, Pochettino was in a really good mood. It is the sensation that comes with a rare victory. After seeing his Chelsea team play Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, he will be aiming to have a similar attitude on Tuesday morning.
Prior to that, Mauricio Pochettino will need to make some important selections for his club. Ben Chilwell will now be sidelined for a while, but Carney Chukwuemeka is almost ready to come back.
In Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory against Brighton, Chilwell was substituted with just a few minutes remaining. According to early signs, this is not good news for the vice-captain of the Blues. However, the club has a strong presence in left-back, in particular.
Possible Chelsea lineup that Mauricio Pochettino might pick against Fulham
Following his superb performance on Wednesday, Ian Maatsen ought to replace Chilwell. The Dutchman performed well enough to start the match against Fulham. Even though he was playing in a position that was farther forward than his usual left-back position.
Malo Gusto and Reece James being out means that Mauricio Pochettino is likely to start Axel Disasi at right back. Hence, Levi Colwill could switch to join Thiago Silva in the centre. Naturally, Robert Sanchez remains in goal.
Since Moises Caicedo’s signing in the summer, Chelsea fans have been clamouring for the team to use a double pivot of him and Enzo Fernandez. It would also enable the addition of another attacker. Cole Palmer may make his entire Premier League debut for the Blues. In Chelsea’s victory against Brighton, Palmer was outstanding. Mauricio Pochettino spoke at length about how happy he is with the England Under-21 international since he joined Stamford Bridge.
Although it’s unlikely that they’ll be start right away, Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke might perhaps rejoin the team. Instead, Mauricio Pochettino might start Raheem Sterling on the right and stick with Mykhailo Mudryk on the other flank as he tries to give the Ukrainian international confidence.
On Monday night, Nicolas Jackson will complete his one-match suspension. There aren’t many choices for Chelsea. But Armando Broja might make his first start of the season in the starting XI, if they wanted to play with a natural center-forward.
Probable Chelsea lineup vs Fulham: Sanchez, Colwill, Silva, Disasi, Maatsen, Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer, Mudryk, Sterling, Broja.
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