Thomas Tuchel has arrived in Abu Dhabi and now it truly feels like we're on the horizon of the Club World Cup Final.
Chelsea take on Palmeiras on Saturday looking to earn their first title in the competition having lost to Corinthians in the previous final in 2012.
The Blues come into the game with their full 23-man squad training on Friday afternoon, with Edouard Mendy now firmly in contention with Kepa Arrizabalaga for a place in goal at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
The Spaniard produced a number of good saves in Chelsea's close win over Al-Hilal, but will have his work cut out as the Blues' No.1 returns to match fitness.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell remain in the UAE but are unavailable for selection as they continue their respective rehabilitation programs.
After a difficult outing against the Asian Champions League winners, Tuchel will be in for a tough team selection with the Blues putting in contrasting performances in each half of the match, and a few players looking tired at the full time whistle.
football.london's Chelsea reporters name the XIs they would choose for the pivotal game below:
Adam Newson
Edouard Mendy, for me, has to start in goal for Chelsea. I appreciate that may be harsh on Kepa given his performances over the past month but it would be even harsher on the Senegal international to leave him out for the final simply because he has been away helping his country win the African Cup of Nations.
Cesar Azpilicueta will start once more, but the point of debate is whether that is at right-back or right wing-back. Personally, I think this is a game for which Chelsea should switch to a four-man defence and that that should consist of Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr who would step in on the left for Alonso.
N’Golo Kante was poor off the bench against Al Hilal and – even though I can’t quite believe I am going to write this – I would keep him as a substitute tomorrow with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic the midfield two.
The attack would then consist of four players: Hakim Ziyech on the right, Mason Mount on the left, and I would go with a front two of Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku
Adam’s Chelsea side (4-2-2-2) : Mendy; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Silva, Sarr; Kovacic, Jorginho; Ziyech, Mount; Havertz, Lukaku.
Scott Trotter
As grossly unfair as it is on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea need to name Edouard Mendy in goal against Palmeiras.
There may be little in difference of the form between the pair, but the latter is clearly the club's No.1 goalkeeper, and it will set the tone and back up the talk of how important the competition is to the club.
Ahead of the Senegal international the Blues could opt for the same back five as against Al-Hilal, with Thiago Silva joined by Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso at wing-back.
Jorginho's half-time departure in the Blues' semi-final outing showed his importance in controlling the tempo, while Mateo Kovacic has been a contender for player of the season. N'Golo Kante didn't look quite up to speed in his half of football, but could still play an important role from the bench.
Hakim Ziyech's impact in the last weeks cannot be underestimated so he should retain his place, with Mason Mount also coming into the team.
Romelu Lukaku will lead the line once again with an opportunity to solidify some crucial momentum following his goal in the semi-final.
Scott's Chelsea side (3-4-3): Mendy; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Ziyech, Lukaku, Mount.
