Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten run under new manager Thomas Tuchel as they face Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United on Saturday in the Premier League. On the back of yet another dominating display that saw them dispatch Everton, the Blues are clear favourites going to the Elland Road. Tuchel has transformed the young Chelsea side into serious contenders for a top-four spot in less than two months in charge.
Bielsa has some serious issues to take care of, with his side losing four of their last five Premier League games. The high intensity of their training and gameplay seems to have taken its toll on the players with games coming in hard and fast. Chelsea on the other hand have continued their excellent run of form by dominating possession and defending brilliantly.
Let us now take a look at how Thomas Tuchel might set his Chelsea team up for this game against Bielsa’s Leeds United.
THE 3-4-2-1
Thomas Tuchel’s successful start to life as Chelsea boss is mainly thanks to this system. The three-man defence has transformed their porous looking defence from a couple of months ago into one of the best in Europe. Edouard Mendy has been superb recently and expected to start in goal. Ben Chilwell may be preferred over Marcos Alonso to counter Leeds’ fast transitions. Antonio Rudiger may replace Kurt Zouma who had a problem in his ankle during their previous game.
Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’golo Kante have all been excellent in the centre of midfield under Tuchel and have been used on a rotation basis. Kante may get the nod over Jorginho to provide the legs needed against a side who are known for their relentless energy. Mason Mount is likely to replace Timo Werner to partner Kai Havertz who gave a man of the match performance against the Toffees.
THE 3-5-2
The 3-5-2 is another alternative with a slightly different attacking shape for Chelsea. Olivier Giroud scored the last time these sides met and can start up front with Havertz operating as a false nine. Leeds have struggled defensively to deal with set pieces and prevent physically imposing attackers from scoring. Reece James and Chilwell will look to exploit that weakness by putting in pinpoint crosses for Giroud and Havertz.
Andreas Christensen has barely put a foot wrong since he replaced Thiago Silva in the heart of the defence and may keep the Brazillian on the sidelines for a few more matches. The defence will need to keep track of Patrick Bamford who scored in the reverse fixture.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 was the preferred system for Chelsea before the arrival of Tuchel. In this system Chelsea can play more attacking football and push the opposition on the back foot. Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic may start on the flanks and will surely look to impress as playing time has been scarce for them.
Chelsea outran and outclassed Leeds when they last met at Stamford Bridge and came from behind to secure a thumping victory. Leeds will surely struggle to get past the Chelsea defence but need to get back to winning ways in order to avoid falling further down the table. Chelsea will look to remain unbeaten and go with a positive mindset into their Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.
