London Football News

Kante starts, Chilwell left out again – expected Chelsea line-up against Spurs

Thomas Tuchel is likely to largely stick with a wining formula for Thursday’s London derby against Tottenham.

Having totally outclassed Burnley in his second game in charge, the defensive unit of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger should continue, with the recalled Marcos Alonso and newly installed Callum Hudson-Odoi set to continue as the wing-backs.


Reece James could displace Azpilicueta in the back three, but it would seem that the Spaniard has done enough to retain his place after an impressive performance and goal in the win over the Clarets.

The aerial ability of Alonso, and his goalscoring threat and attacking instincts mean Ben Chilwell may well have to make do with a place on the bench alongside his England colleague James.

The double six of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic brought a defensive solidity and level of protection that restricted Burnley to no attempts on goal until the final moments of last Sunday’s victory at Stamford Bridge and Tuchel may be reluctant to change that protective pivot for the trip to face Spurs.

But N’Golo Kante – a player Tuchel as described as world class – is fit and could come in.

The attacking options are plentiful, with the rested Hakim Ziyech back in contention and Christian Pulisic an ever-improving presence from the bench.

A typically risk-averse Jose Mourinho Tottenham side, without the injured Harry Kane, may see Tuchel tinker his attack, with Tammy Abraham providing both mobility and a viable hold up option, unlike Timo Werner and Olivier Giroud who are both more specialised strikers.

Tuchel has, however, highlighted the need to play to Werner’s strengths and deploying him centrally would allow a starting spot for Ziyech or Pulisic, with Mount almost certain to retain his place.

Predicted Chelsea line-up v Tottenham: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Werner.




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