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Romelu Lukaku’s World Cup horror show may hit Chelsea in the pocket as ‘new talks’ planned
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly could bear the cost of Romelu Lukaku’s disappointing World Cup campaign if they look to offload him permanently next summer. The Belgian has struggled to get going on loan at Inter Milan, who will reportedly look to use his poor form as a point of leverage in negotiations with the Premier League giants.
Lukaku and Chelsea were reunited in 2021 as the striker was given his second chance to crack Stamford Bridge. Things started on a bright note as he bagged twice on his second debut against Arsenal, but the goals dried up and the good mood went with it.
The frontman came under fierce scrutiny when he conducted a tell-all interview with Sky Italia at the turn of the year, during which he admitted that he would love to return to Inter one day. He apologised to Chelsea fans as his single-season stint at Stamford Bridge ended with a whimper and he left to rejoin Inter in a straight loan deal.
Lukaku’s troubling form and the way his time at Chelsea ended has left the club in a poor bargaining position when it comes to selling him in the summer as his price tag plummets.
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Lukaku played the best football of his career during his first spell at Inter, during which he scored a superb 47 goals in 72 Serie A matches. His prolific partnership with Lautaro Martinez helped Antonio Conte’s Nerazzurri to the league title in 2020/21, making the striker one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
The former Everton and Manchester United star has also had an impressive career at international level, blazing a trail in the all-time Belgian scoring charts with 68 goals. He came into the 2022 World Cup nowhere near his best form, however, and manager Roberto Martinez’s departure signals the end of an era, as well as what many had termed the ‘golden generation’.
Prospects of building bridges and returning to Chelsea appear slim, given that the Blues have signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as his replacement. Armando Broja is also pushing for more responsibility through the middle, and Blues winger Raheem Sterling suggests that he will have plenty to offer in years to come.
“He’s the fastest man in the world,” he told UMM. “When people see him properly… yeah. I can’t lie, I’ve been telling my friends outside the club that he’s the next one. It’s him. I’ve heard a lot of things about him without ever really watching him. But he’s the truth.”
lukaku has been at his best for inter, what he did under conte maybe not respect deserved in prem – also good at intl level 68 goals leading by miles, nowhere near top form and martinez resignation end of an era – chels already replaced him with auba and broja coming through, sterling says youngster quickest at chels – quotes
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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
