Tuchel Reveals How Chelsea Could Line Up Against Tottenham

Chelsea will be aiming to win back-to-back matches under Thomas Tuchel for the first time when they pay a visit to Tottenham Hotspur for a mouthwatering London derby on Thursday evening.

The 47-year-old began his time in the Stamford Bridge dugout with a 0-0 drawagainst Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he soon witnessed his team ease past Burnley 2-0 to rise to seventh in the table.

Aside from minor concerns over Hakim Ziyech, Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz, Tuchel has the luxury of a fully-fit squad for this tantalising derby.

The German welcomed N’Golo Kante back to the substitutes bench on Sunday and has vowed to use the Frenchman in his more favoured defensive role, so a start for Kante on Sunday – potentially over Jorginho – looks likely.

Cesar Azpilicueta has forced his way back into Tuchel’s rearguard and scored the opener against Burnley with a thunderous finish, so the veteran Spaniard is likely to line up alongside Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger as Tuchel hopes to maintain his 100% defensive record since taking charge.

With the Blues’ attacking contingent flattering to deceive this term, the goals came from unlikely sources in Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, as the former hammered home in the first half before his compatriot – who previously did not appear to have a future at Chelsea – wrapped up the win with a delightful volley in the second 45.

During the Frank Lampard era, Reece James and Ben Chilwell were often two of the first names on the teamsheet, but the up-and-coming Englishmen certainly have their work cut out for them if they are to displace old boys Azpilicueta and Alonso, who immediately repaid the faith shown in them by the charismatic Tuchel.

Chelsea’s second was scored by a certain Marcos Alonso, whose future at the club looked bleak following the arrival of Ben Chilwell, but Tuchel’s selection was justified as Alonso’s spectacular effort in the second 45 made sure of the win.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Pulisic, Werner; Giroud

Eduoard Mendy will be starting in the goal keeper position in tomorrow’s match against Tottenham

Rudiger will partner up with Thiago Silva in the centre back position with Azpilicueta to be deployed in the centre back also

Ngolo Kante will be playing in the centre defensive midfielder position alongside Kovacic

Marcus Alonso will be starting in the left wing back position in the match against Tottenham

Callum Hudson Odoi will be starting in the right forwarder position against Tottenhan

Timo Werner will be deployed at the back of the striker in tomorrow’s match against Tottenhan

Christian Pulisic will feature for his side in the attacking midfielder position

Oliver Giroud will feature in the striker position in tomorrow’s match

Substitution

Kepa Arizabalaga

Christensen

Mason Mount

Jorginho

Tammy Abraham

Reece James

Ben Chilwel

Billy Gilmour

Doubtful:

Hakim Ziyech (fitness)

Kurt Zouma (unspecified)

Kai Havertz(unspecified)