Chelsea face one of their biggest clashes of the season on Sunday as they prepare for a London derby away at Tottenham. If the Blues have even the faintest of hopes of making a push for European football for next season, they have to turn their fortunes around against the Lilywhites.
The west London outfit sit 10th in the Premier League, 10 points off of Spurs in fourth, underlining the magnitude of the task at hand. While that means mounting pressure on manager Graham Potter over his future at the club, he will have to hold his nerve when it comes to the line-up he chooses.
Defeat to Southampton last week was a shock and the poor performance saw the side take a backwards step in what had been an otherwise progressive few weeks without a result to show for it. The main issue may have been team rotation, with a number of key stars missing.
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Potter will likely be looking to recall those who missed the defeat into the starting side, but with many options at his disposal, having a team in mind may be tough. With that said, here's a look at three ways in which the Blues could start for their London clash this afternoon (Sunday).
Recall James and Silva
A recall for Reece James and Thiago Silva back into action could be on the cards as the key duo missed the match against Southampton. The pair have been leadership figures for the side over the past year in both their organisation of the backline and their standards set by the performances.
A more experienced striker selection could be on the cards too as David Datro Fofana was handed a first start against the Saints, though the jump may have been too soon for the youngster.
Starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga; James, Silva, Badisahile, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kovacic; Madueke, Mount, Felix; Havertz.
Pressing intensity
While the previous side would be a closer return to a stronger team, the options at Potter's disposal means there's several different game plans he could have in mind. While imposing themselves could be one idea, another could be to bring plenty of intensity into the side with pressing.
A midfield three with plenty of energy could see them swarm Tottenham, stopping any counter-attacks at source while creating chances for themselves. The likes of Conor Gallagher and Mykhailo Mudryk could then be ideal options to add into starting team.
Starting lineup (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; James, Silva, Badisahile, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kovacic, Gallagher; Mudryk, Mount; Felix.
Compact shape
While pressing is an idea that could stop Tottenham from playing, there may be concerns about their ability to beat it and create transitions. Hitting the space to counter is something that the Lilywhites are particularly good at, but they have often struggled when sides look to do the same back.
It could mean a far less attractive style for the Blues, but perhaps being compact in their shape and matching Tottenham up could be the best option.
Starting lineup (5-2-2-1): Arrizabalaga; James, Koulibaly, Silva, Badisahile, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kovacic; Mudryk, Mount; Felix.
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