When Chelsea return to Premier League to play against Fulham at Craven Cottage, Mauricio Pochettino will look to alter his starting eleven.
On Wednesday night, Chelsea emerged victorious in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea must now restore some momentum in the Premier League after just winning once in the whole season. At Craven Cottage, the Blues will take on Fulham. Another team they had trouble defeating in the previous season was Fulham.
Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez among others made contributions off the bench as Mauricio Pochettino made a number of substitutions against Brighton. The team had given Thiago Silva a full day off. Malo Gusto, who had just received his first suspension after receiving a red card against Aston Villa days before, was obviously not present.
Nicolas Jackson’s punishment is about to begin after collecting five cautions. Ben Chilwell will also be unable to play because of an injury.. Therefore, adjustments are once again needed when Chelsea faces their local rivals. In the closing minutes of Wednesday night’s victory over the Seagulls, Chelsea’s vice-captain exited the pitch.
Mauricio Pochettino will have to bring someone as Chilwell’s replacement
Chelsea started three different left backs against Brighton, so Mauricio Pochettino could need to change things up against the Cottagers. On the right side of defence, Marc Cucurella gave a solid effort against his previous team. On the same wing, Ian Maatsen provided solid assistance.
However, it’s possible that neither will act in their more natural capacity. Maatsen has consistently been employed in a more forward position by the Blues’ head coach. In fact, Cucurella is yet to play a minute in the Premier League this season. However, Colwill has frequently filled the role this season.
Mauricio Pochettino provided an explanation for his choice before the Carabao Cup match. He said
“I am so happy with Levi and the way he is playing. He is showing character and is providing the team with a very good balance. I think Chilly is going to have the possibility to play, I think tomorrow he is going to play. I think always, the expectation and what we expect from the player, we were using him maybe not in his best position because he was a winger. That is why after we start to play with a winger like Mischa, when he recovered, our thought was to keep Levi in the position.”
Levi Colwill will presumably go back to the left side. Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi will look to reclaim their positions in the centre of defence once again.
Pochettino will have to choose between Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez
The Chelsea midfielders now have competition to reclaim their starting positions after coming off the bench to seal the Blues’ victory on Wednesday. Lesley Ugochukwu’s struggles could cause Moises Caicedo to shift into a deeper role and be paired by either Fernandez or Gallagher. Moises Caicedo looked better in a more free role.
It is more challenging to imagine whether both will arrive. Cole Palmer put on a strong performance and delivered Nicolas Jackson with a nice assist for the goal. Mauricio Pochettino is wary about letting him settle into the side. But it would come as no surprise to see him rewarded by keeping his spot given his efforts from the bench in previous games. The 51-year-old stated saying
“Cole is a very talented player. He was key in this victory tonight. Still young, still needs to settle in the club, not only the team, in the club and the city. I think we saw today how good he is.”
Raheem Sterling might replace the suspensed Nicolas Jackson
Raheem Sterling may be the frontrunner to assume Chelsea’s forward slot in a straightforward swap starting in midweek. Armando Broja is unlikely to be ready for more than another substitute appearance. Given the former Man City star’s dominance on the wing, someone will have a chance to win over the Cottagers.
If Palmer moves to the wing, Gallagher and Fernandez may start. But if Cucurella is back at left back, Maatsen’s defensive effort on Wednesday night might be compelling. Mykhailo Mudryk is developing some momentum and will draw inspiration from the applause he received when he was replaced against Brighton. Because of his shorter evening, he might start again.
Mauricio Pochettino stated that Noni Madueke was kept out of the team on purpose rather than due to injury. So, it is doubtful that the winger would be a contender for the starting XI.
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