Chelsea goes away to Manchester United in a massive clash. The Blues finally have mostly everyone available for the big day.
Chelsea begins a long week of away games with Manchester United. Luckily, the Blues will have nearly every player available and more or less fit for the first time this season. With Manchester United facing injuries and suspensions, this may be a good time for the Blues to put it all together and start building some momentum.
Edouard Mendy, Keeper, 16, France
Edouard Mendy lives in the hearts of Chelsea fans. The Blues roar every time the Senegalese catches the ball. Confidence is perhaps the most important factor for a goalkeeper and that has been missing at Stamford Bridge for a while.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Right back, 28, Spain
Chelsea took a rather cautious approach against Sevilla. It was clear that Frank Lampard was worried about their defensive struggles and wanted to make a statement. The strategy worked out more or less and Lampard got his prized clean sheet. Since Reece James placed the Champions League fixture against Sevilla, Azpilicueta should start at right back and wear the captain’s armband. Azpilicueta’s importance to this side is often understated due to the excitement around James, but the Spaniard’s influence on this relatively young side could turn out to be the deciding factor this season.
Thiago Silva, Centerback, 6, Brazil
Thiago Silva had a solid game against Sevilla which shows how quickly he has grown into his role at Chelsea. Despite his age, he seems to be extremely confident on the ball and has barely put a foot wrong. Chelsea should be able to play their high backline with Silva controlling things against United.
Kurt Zouma, Centerback, 15, France
At times, Kurt Zouma has looked like the best centerback. However, he has made schoolboy errors and this shows that he still has a lot to improve. His back passes have been weak and one of them led to a goal against Southampton. Zouma needs to sort this mess soon. One positive that has been recurring over the past few games is that Zouma has been able to attack corners really well and he might just end up scoring against United.
Ben Chilwell, Left back, 21, England
Ben Chilwell’s signing wasn’t accepted that warmly by Chelsea fans in the beginning. Most seemed to think that Lampard’s obsession with Chilwell was unjustified and that he wasn’t good enough. Well, Chilwell has answered his critics with stellar performances on the field. He has been one of Chelsea’s best players in the opening part of this season and that is a massive statement considering the other signings. Be ready to see “Chilly” drop a masterclass against United, as he overwhelms “the spider” (Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Mateo Kovacic, Central midfield, 17, Croatia
Mateo Kovacic was Chelsea’s Player of the Season for the previous season, and there’s a reason why. The Croatian possesses the unique ability to dribble through tight situations. The sad part is that Kovacic has been benched regularly and Jorginho has been preferred over him. While Jorginho has performed decently, Kovacic deserves a chance and this sort of high pressure is exactly the situation where Kovacic thrives.
N’Golo Kante, Central midfield, 7, France
N’Golo Kante has looked a bit out of form in recent games. He has looked tired and hasn’t been his incisive self. What is even more worrying is that he has been sloppy in possession. However, this game is too big to drop N’Golo Kante. The best players in the world make their comebacks on the biggest stages and this is the best opportunity for Kante to create an absolute Picasso of a heatmap and run his heart out. Expect Kante to drop a masterclass and end up with a certain Portuguese in his pockets.
Kai Havertz, Attacking midfield, 29, Germany
Kai Havertz has been slowly growing into the Premier League. While he was relatively quiet against Sevilla, he was on fire against Southampton. The brand of football that Havertz plays is seamless and he looks extremely comfortable on the ball. His small movements can trigger chances and even goals. Havertz will become the fulcrum of this attack as Lampard’s project takes shape. Against United, Havertz will be against an unpredictable and inconsistent defense, and this could certainly mean some fireworks
Mason Mount, Right wing, 19, England
People continue to suggest that Lampard has been playing players out of position to accommodate Mount into the team. However, they fail to understand that no one has more passion for Chelsea than Lampard and he understands the fact that no player is greater than the club. He has been playing Mount on the left, and while we don’t agree with it, there must be some reasons behind it. As far as his performances are concerned, Mount has been consistent throughout and Chelsea has lacked rhythm after his substitutions in the past couple of games. Mount should play on the right against United and expect another performance full of pressing and hard work.
Timo Werner, Striker, 11, Germany
Timo Werner has started the season strongly. What is impressive is that Werner has been more than just a striker for the Blues and he has been working really hard. Moreover, with Chelsea’s fluid frontline, Werner is often seen drifting in from the left, and this creates a lot of confusion in the opposition’s backline, and this could influence the game against United immensely.
Christian Pulisic, Left wing, 10, United States
Christian Pulisic should start this game on the left. Pulisic’s performance off the bench against Liverpool in the 5-3 goal fest is still in recent memory, and it is clear that the American winger loves to perform in high profile games. Captain America is ready, Chelsea is ready and it’s time to show the Reds how it’s done