Chelsea should continue their winning streak against Southampton tonight, despite only 10 men remaining after taking all three points from Leicester City.
Here’s the XI predicted Chelsea could line up if they take on Saints in their first midweek Premier League game.
G. K. Edward Mandy
The Chelsea goalkeeper certainly had a better game against Leicester City after a horrendous error against Leeds United. Mendy made four saves but Harvey Barnes had an effort near the post.
RWB – Reuben Loftus Gal
Thomas Tuchel trusted Loftus-Cheek in his new position and it seems to be working for Chelsea
The Englishman could return to the Blues midfield due to injuries and suspensions.
CB – Race James
The England international team was exceptional in the last match. James hit the post in the first half and provided the assist for Raheem Sterling’s second goal, showing his quality on offense but could return to full-back in the middle today.
CB – Thiago Silva
Perhaps one of the first names in the team, Thiago Silva has excelled in the Chelsea squad despite his age and has always impressed in the weekly badge battle.
CB – Kalidou Koulibaly
Chelsea’s new defender made his return today after receiving a double yellow card against Leeds United following his suspension. Tuchel is expected to return to the three-man formation at centre-back, so we can expect Koulibaly to return straight into the squad.
LWB – Mark cucorella
But one of Chelsea’s new arrivals is destined to break into the team and make an instant impression. Cucurella was able to assist Sterling on his first goal and almost scored a second. In his current form, Ben Chilwell looks set to struggle to break into the starting line-up.
CM Jorginho
The Blues captain put in a solid performance last week despite Conor Gallagher’s red card.
CM – Mateo Kovacic
Chelsea fans are hoping and praying that Kovacic is fully fit for tonight’s game due to N’Golo Kante’s injury and Gallagher’s suspension. The Blues have certainly missed Kovacic in recent games as he brings energy and quality to the midfield.
RW – Raheem Sterling
Sterling opened his goalscoring account with the Blues by scoring twice against Leicester. Now that he has the skills to score goals, Chelsea fans are hoping that he will become the goal-scoring machine that the club needs.
ST – Armando Broja
The Albanian has spent most of his time on the bench so far this season but Bruja got a chance to prove himself in ninth place after some poor performances from Kai Havertz.
LW – Mason Mount
Mont played more defensively last week and we lost that ability going forward. It’s safe to say that bringing the 23-year-old on at half-time last week was the right thing to do given the circumstances. I hope we see him as a striker again tonight.