Chelsea vs Malmo predicted XI: First 3-4-1-2 of many?
Chelsea still tops the Premier league table but there are glaring issues in the final third for the European Champions. The Blues welcome the weakest Champions League group stage opponent to Stamford Bridge in what is set to be a game that could put pressure on the home side, should it not handle Malmo well. Who does Thomas Tuchel trust to bring him his second group stage win as Chelsea manager?
Here is who The Pride of London believes will start for the Blues against Malmo:
Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal
Why? Come on. See Brentford vs Chelsea.
Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England
Trevoh Chalobah was very good against Brentford. Though he admittedly was part of a defense that conceded a considerable number of quality chances, it is important to note that Chelsea lost control of the match from midfield, which means the pressure on the defense was inevitable. Chalobah’s superb performance was highlighted by his awareness to get to the goal line just as a shot came ambling toward him. That moment from the youngster was as important as Mendy’s saves in the Brentford win. Chalobah has taken his chance since he was given one against Villarreal in the Super Cup, he’s a regular member of the squad now and he absolutely deserves it.
Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil
Thiago Silva was out of contention against Brentford because of COVID-19 regulations following his appearances for Brazil during the last international break. Silva would probably have done a lot more to calm the defense down and perhaps the Blues would not have come under the level of pressure they did in the final 25 minutes of the match. Silva is still very good physically, despite being 37 years old. His intelligence enables him to stay ahead of other players mentally, and his excellent passing allows the Blues to play out from the defense smoothly. It’s difficult to predict how good (or how bad) Malmo will be, but the Swedish club’s players will be up for the game and Silva should be prepared for some physical battles.
Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany
Antonio Rudiger was well deputized against Brentford, but he will definitely return to the line-up as soon as he’s fit. His deputy, Malang Sarr, was actually the best defender on the day, leading the team in clearances and interceptions. Rudiger’s contract situation remains complicated but the club can be trusted to do what is in its own interests, whatever that is. There’s a case to be made that Rudiger deserves a pay raise, however, he has been a key player for only six months. Rudiger is clearly focused on his football at the moment, as he should be. The German will help in stopping threats before they get to the final third, which Chelsea maybe didn’t do as well in his absence. His ball-carrying through the defensive and middle third was also missed.