Kepa, Havertz And Sarr To Start | Predicted 3-4-2-1 Chelsea Lineup Vs Tottenham

Chelsea are eyeing a place in the final of the Carabao Cup as they play hosts to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, in the first leg of the semi-final. The Blues will be looking to exact revenge on the Lilywhites after the North London giants had knocked them out of the competition last season, but things could be equally tricky up against their former manager Antonio Conte.

Predicted Chelsea Lineup Vs Tottenham

Defence

Chelsea are set to lose Edouard Mendy as the goalkeeper is set to join the Senegalese camp for the upcoming African Cup of Nations. It should pave the way for Kepa Arrizabalaga to start in goal.

As for the central defence, Andreas Christensen is likely to miss out due to injury, while Trevoh Chalobah is a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury in the draw with Liverpool.

Their potential absences should force Thomas Tuchel to start Malang Sarr at centre-back. it will be an opportunity for the former OGC Nice starlet to prove himself, as he looks to form the three-man backline alongside the experienced defensive figureheads like Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.

Midfield

For the midfield personnel, Tuchel may opt to provide N’Golo Kante with a breather, thus paving the way for Jorginho to return to the starting eleven. The Italian is expected to form the double-pivot alongside Mateo Kovacic, with Ross Barkley, Saul Niguez and potentially Ruben Loftus-Cheek serving as alternatives.

Elsewhere, Reece James has been ruled out for a few months due to a fresh injury, whereas Ben Chilwell is out for the season owing to knee surgery. Hence, Tuchel may have to continue with Cesar Azpilicueta at right wingback while Marcos Alonso should also retain his place on the opposite flank, due to a dearth of alternatives.

Attack

On the attacking side of things, Romelu Lukaku was left out of the squad that faced Liverpool in the aftermath of his comments about Inter Milan. The Belgian is likely to miss out once again, which could see Kai Havertz spearheading the line for Chelsea.

The German international will be hoping to create the offensive trifecta alongside Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, two players who must prove themselves if they are to remain a part of the Chelsea side during the second half of the campaign.