Chelsea now look like serious contenders for a top four finish after a commanding display at Anfield saw them inflict Liverpool with a fifth straight home defeat for the first time in their history. Up next is another Merseyside outfit, Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton who have managed three consecutive league wins without conceding. With just a point separating the two teams, we have a six pointer lined up at the Stamford Bridge that the home team cannot afford to lose given their opponents have a game in hand.
Thomas Tuchel has galvanised this team full of youngsters into a solid defensive unit and racking up clean sheets one after another. On the attacking front, Mount has been sensational and Timo Werner looks more confident and eager for goals. Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham are the only players doubtful for this game. Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic are pushing for a place in the starting lineup and may force Tuchel to slightly rotate the side that beat Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at how Tuchel may set his side up for this big game on Monday evening.
THE 3-4-2-1
The 3-4-2-1 has revolutionised the Chelsea side who were once struggling to stop opponents from scoring past them with ease. Tuchel’s tactical brilliance has helped him achieve an unbeaten start as Chelsea boss even after twelve games in all competitions. Edouard Mendy is back to his best after a shaky mid-season and expected to retain his place in goal. Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger who were all on the fringes under Lampard are now integral part of the first team with solid performances in recent games. Marcos Alonso may return to the side to provide more threat going forward. N’golo Kante and Jorginho were excellent against Liverpool and are expected to retain their places along with star man Mason Mount. Christian Pulisic may be handed his first start under new manger Tuchel ahead of Hakim Ziyech who has struggled to create much impact in previous games.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 formation has not been seen since the departure of Frank Lampard. In this system we can expect Hakim Ziyech to start on the right wing due to his lethal partnership with Reece James. Kurt Zouma may get the nod at the back to counter the aerial threat of players like Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount are likely to play in front of Kante who has the most tackles and interceptions amongst the Blues. Everton’s defence has looked solid despite switching between a back three and back four. It will be a huge challenge for Chelsea to find goal scoring opportunities and need to convert the big ones.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the only other system that can be employed by Thomas Tuchel. Kovacic and Kante may start as the double pivot to prevent their opposition from catching them on the break. Full backs Chilwell and Reece James will get the freedom to run forward joining the attack and creating chances from out wide. The defence need to be particularly alert to the in-form Richarlison who is on a good goal scoring run. Chelsea lost the reverse fixture at Goodison Park and will be looking to get revenge to keep their unbeaten run going. It will be a tactical battle between two brilliant managers who are looking to grab a ticket for next season’s Champions League.
