Following a week chock-full of international footballing action, the focus now shifts to the Premier League, with Chelsea kicking things off in a game against West Brom on early Saturday afternoon. The Blues are currently one of the most in-form teams in the division, having gone through a major redemption under new coach Thomas Tuchel, and a win this weekend could help them maintain pressure on third-placed Leicester City.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup Vs West Brom
Defence
Tuchel had to sit out a few of his key defenders in the last game against Sheffield United. However, the German is likely to reinstate the established back-three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
There has been no word over the possible return of the injured Thiago Silva, so the experience and leadership of Azpilicueta could once again turn out to key as Chelsea look to continue their impressive defensive form in the league.
Edouard Mendy, meanwhile, remains a guaranteed starter for the Blues, with the Senegalese international hoping for his 15th clean sheet in the league despite having played only 24 matches so far.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante withdrew from the France squad after picking up a hamstring problem. It remains unlikely that Tuchel would want to rush him back into the first-team, especially when he has the option of deploying Jorginho.
The Italian international should operate alongside the ever-present figure of Mateo Kovacic at the base of Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1, with Billy Gilmour serving as an alternative.
As for the wingbacks, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell had started the last game, so one could expect both Reece James and Marcos Alonso to return to the side, although Hudson-Odoi may get the nod ahead of James due to his non-involvement in the international break.
Attack
Chelsea almost have a fully-fit attacking unit, although Tammy Abraham remains a slight doubt heading into this fixture.
Timo Werner thus remains a favourite to spearhead the Blues’ attack, although Tuchel may still have the option of deploying both Abraham and Olivier Giroud whenever required.
As for the two attacking midfielders, Christian Pulisic has been in great form but might have to settle for the role of super-sub once again with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount likely to get the nod. Hakim Ziyech is another option Tuchel could consider, although the German doesn’t rate him much.
