Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel’s team selection for this evening’s huge Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield has sparked a reaction from the Blues’ supporters.
Chelsea, who were defeated 2-0 by the Reds in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge back in September, will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to Tuchel’s tenure to ten matches against the reigning Premier League title holders.
Although the Blues have enjoyed a solid start to life under the German and are yet to taste defeat under his stewardship, the Blues have failed to win each of their last two league outings, playing out stalemates with both Southampton and Manchester United.
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With that in mind, the Blues will be determined to get back to winning ways this evening and move four points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s side in the process.
With the fixtures continuing to come thick and fast, Tuchel could have been forgiven for making numerous changes to his team, but he has opted to name one similar to the one that drew with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner have all been named in the German’s starting line-up this evening as Tuchel looks to get the better of Klopp for just the third time in his career.
As well as Ziyech and Werner being included, the likes of Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount have also been handed starting berths.
Chelsea starting line-up: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell; Ziyech, Mount; Werner. Substitutes: Kepa, Zouma, Alonso, Emerson, Hudson-Odoi, Kovacic, Havertz, Pulisic, Giroud.
Following Sunday’s stalemate with United, Tuchel has opted to make a total of three changes to his starting line-up, with James, Jorginho and Werner coming in and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mateo Kovacic and Olivier Giroud dropping out.
Most of the reaction to the German’s selection choice has centred around the absence of Kai Havertz from the starting line-up.
Since Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge, Havertz has struggled for opportunities, starting just once in all competitions, but it is important to caveat that with the fact that he has spent a period of time sidelined through injury.
Above, football.london has taken a close look at what some Chelsea fans have had to say on social media in the response to the starting line-up.
You can follow all of this evening’s action from Anfield by following our dedicated live match blog.