There have been very few occasions this season – if any – that Thomas Tuchel has been able to sit back and relax prior to a Chelsea game. Yet ahead of this evening's Premier League clash against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge, the Blues head coach should be able to do just that.
That is because there is very little riding on the contest. Leicester are firmly ensconced in mid-table, while the Blues' place in the top four was secured on Monday night when Newcastle United defeated Arsenal. Admittedly, there is third spot up for grabs, and Tuchel has stated he wants that wrapped up.
"My feeling was that the whole season we were in position in one, two, or three – somebody told me for one week we were place number four, I thought we were not. So it's not a good moment to start now to be fourth," he said. "We still have to play for us, our demands, and our fans.
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"Most importantly, though, for our expectations and what we demand. We are very happy we secured a top-four place, this is what the first target when we start the season, what we play for, but still it is two home games, and we will do everything to win them for our feeling, our supporters and for a positive end of the season."
There are selection decisions for the Chelsea head coach to make. Ben Chilwell (knee) returned to first-team training this week but will not feature, while Callum Hudson-Odoi (achilles) is not expected to play again this season. Timo Werner (hamstring) and Mateo Kovacic (ankle) are ruled out too.
Kai Havertz (hamstring) may also be missing, and Andreas Christensen's place in the squad is uncertain after the Dane pulled out of Sunday's FA Cup final on the morning of the game. "I'm not sure yet if he is involved tomorrow or on the weekend," said Tuchel. "Andreas came in the morning of the match to inform me, to speak to me. He told me he was not ready to play the match, to start the match or be on the bench. He had his reasons. They stay private and confidential.
"It was not the first time, as you can see over the last weeks; we had some of the same situations. That's why he did not play regularly over the last weeks. We thought we are in a good progression development because he played a strong match before the final against Leeds. The conversation took place. We had to respect it. He has our support still, but for tomorrow I am unsure."
With Tuchel keen to end the season with a win, a strong side should still be named. That would mean Edouard Mendy keeps his place in goal, and the back three should consist of Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, who is bound for Real Madrid come the end of the campaign.
Reece James should keep his spot at right wing-back, and on the opposite flank will be Marcos Alonso. In midfield, Jorginho is expected to remain, and he may be partnered by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. N'Golo Kante, who was a doubt ahead of the FA Cup final, could be among the substitutes.
Mason Mount should start and will want to prove a point after missing the vital penalty in the FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool. Romelu Lukaku is set to keep his place given Havertz, even if he is passed fit, will not be 100%, and Hakim Ziyech may be handed an opportunity to impress.
Predicted Chelsea side: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Lukaku, Mount
