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Attacking re-think, Lavia problem and Chilwell decision all on Pochettino’s Chelsea to-do list
A deep look at Mauricio Pochettino’s ‘to-do list’ ahead of Chelsea’s return to Premier League action at the weekend when they travel to AFC Bournemouth on the south coast.
Chelsea simply have to return to winning ways on Sunday as they make the trip down to the south coast to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Prior to the almost-concluded international break, the Blues, despite having 21 shots throughout the 90 minutes, were beaten 1-0 at the hands of Nottingham Forest. After the game, some boos rang around Stamford Bridge with the fans clearly frustrated with what they witnessed from their team.
Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to turn those boos into loud cheers at the weekend at the Vitality Stadium. There are some things he needs to tick off his to-do list first, though…
Attacking re-think?
Last time out against Forest, Chelsea were criticised for the way they approached the game. They started the match with only two real, what we would call, out-and-out attackers on the pitch in Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson.
This was obvious at some points, with Chelsea, despite having 21 shots in west London, struggling to create many clear-cut opportunities to trouble Forest and goalkeeper Matt Turner. Is there scope this weekend to start another attacking player, or maybe even two?
Cole Palmer is in contention to make his full debut with the 21-year-old restricted to a cameo performance against Forest before the two-week break. Palmer, who signed on deadline day from Manchester City in a deal worth £42.5million, could even line up alongside Noni Madueke, who has spent the last fortnight with him on international duty with England Under-21s.
Lavia problem
Romeo Lavia is almost certainly unavailable for Sunday’s match. The 19-year-old midfielder hurt his ankle during a training session at Cobham last week and is expected to be out for over a month, Sportskick understands.
Lavia was in contention to make his Chelsea debut this weekend after not playing a single minute since signing for £58m from Southampton last month. However, Pochettino will be without Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka – who is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered at West Ham United in August.
Conor Gallagher has started the season well for the Blues, so Pochettino could go with the England international in midfield. One would expect Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, despite both playing games in South America this week, will also keep their places in the side.
Chilwell decision
Ben Chilwell has been playing as an unorthodox left winger at the start of the season. The England international, though, has not flourished in the unusual role for him and there have been several calls from pundits and supporters alike for Chilwell to return to the left-hand side of a back-four.
This would also have an impact on Levi Colwill. The 20-year-old has essentially been filling in at left-back while Chilwell has been in a more advanced role.
Benoît Badiashile could return to the squad at the weekend but either way, Colwill is expected to start for Pochettino. Whether that’s once again at left-back, or moving alongside Thiago Silva and therefore pushing Axel Disasi out of the side, we do not know just yet.
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MNU VS CHE: 4-2-3-1 Pochettino strongest possible IX that could help Chelsea defeat Man Utd
Today’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford is sure to be exciting. There isn’t a distinct favorite for this forthcoming matchup because both teams have shown inconsistent play this season.
Manchester United hopes to win against Chelsea after suffering an awful defeat to Newcastle United. Chelsea, on the other hand, is hoping to keep up their current winning streak in the Premier League by thrashing Manchester United in their next game.
4-2-3-1 Pochettino predicted starting IX
Goalkeeper: The Spanish international Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal
Defenders: Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, and Reece James make up Chelsea’s defense. Reece James is anticipated to start the next game, Despite his red card suspension that kept him out of the match against Brighton.
Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandes are midfielders. As Conor Gallagher is out due to suspension, Cole Palmer will fill in at offensive midfield, with Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo handling additional roles in central and defensive midfield.
Forward: Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, and Mykhailo Mudryk are the forwards. Nicolas Jackson, who has been struggling, is replaced by Armando Broja, with Raheem Sterling on the right wing and Mykhailo Mudryk in his standard left wing position.
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Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Newcastle: Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo as Palmer start with Gallagher in Midfield #NEWCHE
Mauricio Pochettino makes two changes to his Chelsea team for today’s game at Newcastle.
Benoit Badiashile comes in for his compatriot Axel Disasi in the heart of defence, while Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo.
Otherwise, it is the same starting XI that began the 4-4 draw against Manchester City prior to the international break
That means Reece James, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella join Badiashile at the back, ahead of Robert Sanchez. Enzo Fernandezand Conor Gallagher continue in midfield, with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer supplying the width in attack, either side of Nicolas Jackson.
Caicedo and Levi Colwill, who was injured during the recent break, are among those named on the bench.
Alexander Isak returns for Newcastle after injury, but there is no Sean Longstaff.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James (c), Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Enzo, Ugochukwu, Gallagher, Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Subs: Petrovic, Colwill, Disasi, Maatsen, Caicedo, Matos, Madueke, Mudryk, Broja
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Lascelles (c), Schar, Trippier, Guimaraes, Miley, Almiron, Joelinton, Isak, Gordon
Subs: Dubravka, Gillespie, Karius, Dummett, Ritchie, Diallo, Murphy, Ndiweni, Parkinson
Referee Simon Hooper
Reece James just returned to action for Chelsea this season after recovering from an injury that kept him on the sidelines for weeks but the synergy between the Chelsea Skipper and Cole Palmer has emerged as a pivotal factor in Chelsea’s recent impressive performance.
Their relationship on the pitch showcases a dynamic partnership that has been significantly impacting the team’s overall performance.
One key element of this collaboration is the strategic placement of Cole Palmer in the middle, operating behind the striker.
This positioning capitalizes on Palmer’s unique skill set, acknowledging that he may not possess the blistering pace or sheer physicality to excel in isolated one-on-one situations with defenders.
Instead, Palmer’s strength lies in his ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, exhibiting clever passes that ignite the team’s attacking prowess.
Palmer’s fluid style, characterized by his adept use of pockets and floating movements, creates a symbiotic relationship with Reece James.
James, a versatile right-back, benefits from Palmer’s strategic play by having the freedom to occupy the wing.
This tactical understanding not only maximizes Palmer’s strengths but also amplifies James’s impact on the game.
What becomes evident in this partnership is Palmer essentially playing as a number 10, operating in a role that aligns with his capabilities and enhances the team’s attacking dynamics.
By strategically placing Palmer in a central position, Chelsea leverages his playmaking abilities, allowing him to orchestrate the flow of the game and provide crucial link-up play between the midfield and the strikers.
The tactical harmony between Palmer and James is not just about individual brilliance but also about how their styles complement each other seamlessly.
Palmer’s intelligent movements and distribution empower James to venture forward with confidence, creating a fluid and dynamic attacking unit for Chelsea
MNU VS CHE: 4-2-3-1 Pochettino strongest possible IX that could help Chelsea defeat Man Utd
Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Newcastle: Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo as Palmer start with Gallagher in Midfield #NEWCHE
How Palmer and Reece James Have Complemented Each Other in Chelsea’s Lineup This Season
Chelsea eye double £156m transfer swoop as Todd Boehly faces Saudi Arabia questioning
