Last week, Real Madrid returned to Stamford Bridge with revenge being the only thing on their minds. Karim Benzema led the Los Blancos to a 3-1 victory and Thomas Tuchel lost his patience. He made it clear that the players needed to react to their poor form so they did just that over the weekend. Chelsea took out their frustrations against Southampton on the south coast, resulting in a 6-0 thrashing for the Saints.
The Blues went from scoring just two goals in two matches to six goals in one!
You're probably wondering what the difference was. Some say they'd had it in them all along. Others argue that it was the inevitability and brilliance of Timo Werner.
Is the German forward our secret to defeating the European giants in Chelsea's return fixture? Should he start on Tuesday? Timo Werner, welcome to Football London's Chelsea debate room.
Read More: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Chelsea, Real Madrid dream, Romelu Lukaku and Cesar Azpilicueta
Anita Abayomi - Let's be honest
Do I love Timo Werner as a person? Yes. He's quite hilarious and he has some quality dance moves in his locker. Would I start him against Real Madrid on Tuesday night? No.
Let's be honest, he was the hero against Southampton because of their ridiculous high line. Werner excels best against a high line which Real Madrid will not be so kind enough to gift us with. I can guarantee that the Los Blancos will remain compact and be much more difficult to break down than they was in the first leg.
One thing to note is that this is not Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid. Being quick will not be the kryptonite to their defence as it was last year. Werner's runs coupled with Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic's quick decision-making was a theatrical nightmare for Madrid. This time around, they will need to be unravelled with quality on the ball and most importantly every single chance must be buried. Werner may have got the brace on the weekend, but he should have at least had 4 goals to his name. The woodwork denied him far too many times against Southampton, we cannot afford to see that again.
Bobby Vincent - Why not?
Why not start Werner? Granted, his time at Chelsea has been nothing short of poor so far, which is even more reason to choose him when he finally does show some promise. He looked fantastic against Southampton on Saturday and looked like something close to the player Chelsea fans were expecting to see when he signed from RB Leipzig.
Also, I've always preferred Werner in away games. Real Madrid will come out and try to dominate the ball - that's what top teams do in Champions League matches when defending a lead. If Chelsea can press Madrid and try and hit them on the counter-attack, Werner could be key.
He needs to work on his positioning, there's no doubt about that. He gets caught offside too often. Werner's pace, though, is something that could cause the Madrid back-line some issues. There's an argument for Christian Pulisic, but he failed to impress in last week's first leg. Start Werner.
Scott Trotter - Probably not
Do two goals and a flurry of chances earn a forward second start? On this occasion probably not. Timo Werner continued his impressive form whenever he plays Southampton, notching his fifth strike against the Saints which now tallies more than half of his Premier League goals. The German striker was a threat but afforded a great deal of space from Ralph Hasenhuttl's high line and Werner took advantage.
Kai Havertz is clearly the forward to lead the line, his substitution at half-time made on the south coast, made it clear he will start on Tuesday night. With a different setup from Real Madrid, it's perhaps unlikely Thomas Tuchel goes for two upfront once again, and Werner has plenty of competition on the wings.
The 26-year-old's ray of hope may be the ineffectiveness of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech in Chelsea's first leg against Los Blancos at Stamford Bridge. Both struggled to make an impact despite their contrasting qualities, and the duo were again limited in their substitute appearances at St Mary's. They have both proved they have the ability to score at important moments this season, and Tuchel is likely to use one in addition to Mason Mount to support Havertz.
Daniel Childs - No.
Just no.
What do you think...?
The majority have gone against the decision to start Timo Werner. Bobby seems convinced that Werner's away form gives some sort of credibility to warrant a start, whilst Anita is not convinced despite his performance at Southampton. Scott would much rather have Thomas Tuchel stick to Kai Havertz as a lone striker meaning the German will have to fight for his slot on the wing. His competition is Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic; all choices that will probably be ahead in the Chelsea pecking order.
I guess sometimes, one word is enough for Daniel. No means no.
Will Tuchel decide to take a gamble, or will he stick to the status quo? Please tell us what you think in the comments below to get involved in the debate!
