• April 1, 2022
• Olaoluwa Nwobodo

Chelsea is back playing league football and the international break is finally over. It felt like it was never going to end. Chelsea players impressed during the international break with Mason Mount, Marcos Alonso, Antonio Rudiger, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Thiago Silva, Mateo Kovacic, and Jorginho featuring, amongst others. Alonso assisted twice, and Havertz and Werner scored. Silva kept some clean sheets, and Jorginho failed to qualify for the World Cup.  Brentford would be different from any game any Chelsea player played in during the international game, but who does Thomas Tuchel select for this must-win game?

Goalkeeper: Shoot-out hero, Edouard Mendy

Mendy definitely starts this one. He deserves credit for his performances against Egypt in the World Cup playoffs. Mendy seems to be getting better at saving penalties and if this improvement continues, he just might take Kepa Arrizabalaga’s position as the shoot-out keeper. Arrizabalaga still remains the cup keeper, but he may not come on again in semifinals and finals of cup competitions for penalty shoot-outs anymore.

Defenders: Three centerbacks led by Thiago Silva

Silva kept two clean sheets during the international break. He’d definitely start when he’s fit. He’s likely to be flanked in the back three by Trevoh Chalobah and Antonio Rudiger. Chalobah seems better suited for the right centerback role than Andreas Christensen at the moment. He tries to find runners down his flank and looks to play passes that get the team closer to creating chances. His pass to Ziyech, for his (Ziyech) assist to Pulisic in the Leicester City game is a good example of this. Christensen also doesn’t seem to be fit at the moment, as he played no game during the international break.

Rudiger would be essential in ball movement and ball carrying, though he tends to be a bit slow with his passing. Rudiger is likely to also be the one driving into any space left by Brentford in the midfield. Chelsea needs to switch play more, and Rudiger attempts the most long balls per game, so he’d be the best player to lead the implementation of that. Rudiger’s contract situation is still uncertain, and Tuchel seemed to confirm that he may be talking to other clubs, namely Barcelona, however, nothing is certain at this point.

Midfielders and wingbacks: Reece James returns alongside the Jovacic pivot

It was heartwarming to see Marcos Alonso get called up for Spain, mainly because of all the unfair criticism he got from Chelsea fans over the past few months. Alonso started the season well and lost his place when Ben Chilwell was restored to the lineup. He’s back in the lineup now and has been quite consistent. James is also likely to return from injury and Chelsea fans would hope he does not get sidelined again before the end of the season.

Jorginho featured for Italy in the game that saw Italy get knocked out in the World Cup playoffs against North Macedonia. Naturally he’s scapegoated because he’s the only Italy player that featured on the night. Chelsea needs Mateo Kovacic back in the lineup like a camel needs water. He helps Chelsea with ball movement and ball retention through his ball carrying, passing, and dribbling at elite levels.

Forwards: Ziyech returns to continue from where he left off

Hakim Ziyech has been by far Chelsea’s best player this year. He has had more consistent performances across all competitions, compared to some of his teammates that have only been impressive in the Premier League. Ziyech is important to how Chelsea plays and creates. This is highlighted in his role against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fifth round. His goal scoring has already improved as well, as he has already scored more league goals this season (4) than he did last season (3), and there are still 10 games to go. He likely would play alongside Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

Mount has already registered 15 league goals plus assists this season. He also has created the most big chances for Chelsea in the Premier League (8). Mount has also come under criticism in recent times, which is unsurprising because he has been underwhelming in recent times. His ball carrying and chance creation combined with his work rate make him an essential part of Chelsea’s lineup.

Havertz has been performing superbly in recent times. He has scored four league goals in his last five league games. Havertz’s rise in performance has been acknowledged by Tuchel himself. He has not been doing nearly enough in terms of chance creation, but he’s still contributing very well to Chelsea’s attack, which is the most important thing. All Chelsea’s forwards have been poor in terms of goals, as Chelsea’s top scorer in the league is only good enough to rank 18^th in the league.  That says it all.

Prediction: Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger, James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso, Ziyech, Havertz, Mount