Mauricio Pochettino has finally found the winning formula at Chelsea but his side’s credentials will be tested this Saturday when they welcome London rivals Arsenal to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have won three games on the bounce for the first time under Pochettino, with victories over Brighton, Fulham and Burnley changing the mood around the club. However, Chelsea still find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table and Arsenal’s visit marks the beginning of a fierce run of fixtures.
The main dilemma facing Pochettino is an extensive injury list and the 51-year-old will be anxiously awaiting news from the club doctors ahead of Saturday’s clash. Defensive injuries have been particularly problematic for the Blues, with Chelsea capable of fielding a pretty impressive starting lineup of sidelined players.
Some big decisions lie in wait for the former Tottenham coach, so here is the team he could choose for the derby against Arsenal.
GK: Robert Sanchez – The goalkeeper missed out on teaming up with the Spain squad over the international period, giving him some well-earned rest ahead of this weekend’s encounter.
RB: Malo Gusto – The Frenchman returns at just the right time after a three-game suspension has kept him out of all three Chelsea victories in recent weeks. With defensive injuries stacking up, Gusto’s return will be a big boost for Pochettino.
CB: Thiago Silva – Axel Disasi adds himself to an injury list that already includes Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, meaning Silva will move over to the right-hand side of a back two.
CB: Levi Colwill – Gusto’s return means Colwill will no longer have to start at left-back, a position that isn’t his forte. The centre-back is fresh from his senior England debut against Australia so should be brimming with confidence.
LB: Marc Cucurella – Having performed very well at right-back in the absence of Gusto and Reece James, the former Brighton defender can revert to his more familiar left-back role. Will have to be at his best if Bukayo Saka is fit enough to start for Arsenal.
CM: Conor Gallagher – Pochettino’s workhorse in midfield, Gallagher has started every single league game for the Blues this season. The midfielder could interchange with Enzo Fernandez in a more advanced role.
CM: Moises Caicedo – A difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge for the £115m man has been eased by some strong performances in recent games. Managed two assists for Ecuador over the international period but may be a bit jetlagged for Arsenal’s visit.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – The Argentine has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, starting all of the Blues’ games in the Premier League. The midfielder has been used as a number ten but is more suited to a deeper role in the centre of the park.
RW: Cole Palmer – Whether Palmer is fit enough to start against Arsenal remains to be seen after suffering an injury with England Under-21s. However, it’s not thought to be a serious issue and Pochettino may risk the youngster given his impressive performance at Burnley.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Scored a much-needed goal against Burnley last time out, showing the kind of composure in front of goal that has been lacking in his Chelsea career so far. Two in his last two matches should give him a boost for Arsenal’s visit.
LW: Raheem Sterling – Chelsea’s star player this campaign, Sterling produced another sensational performance against Burnley. Missing out on Gareth Southgate’s squad yet again, the winger will have had plenty of time to rest ahead of the Premier League’s return.
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