In what is Thomas Tuchel’s second match as Chelsea manager, the Blues welcome Sean Dyche’s Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
The German will be looking to register his first victory after an unsatisfactory stalemate against Wolves, in a match that saw Chelsea put on a record-breaking possession display.
He had only one training session with the first team prior to that game, but this time around he will be looking to bring about a winning spirit after a dismal first half of the Premier League season for the Blues.
Tuchel has named his starting line-up against the Clarets, in a formation that looks like 3-4-2-1, but flexible to turn into 4-2-3-1. Tammy Abraham starts upfront alongside Mason Mount, who makes his 50th appearance across all competitions and Timo Werner, who looks like he will be undertaking the support striker role.
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcos Alonso will operate as wing-backs, supported in the center midfield by Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho. Edouard Mendy once again defends the goal, behind the defensive line consisting of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.
The main surprise comes from the exclusion of Hakim Ziyech and Billy Gilmour from the squad, while Kepa Arrizabalaga, Andreas Christensen, N’Golo Kante, Pulisic, Giroud, Reece James and Kai Havertz all find themselves on the bench
Burnley come into the clash having won three consecutive matches, dispatching champions Liverpool and Aston Villa in the process.
On Twitter, the Chelsea faithful have reacted to Tuchel’s eleven:
Experimental. But let’s see!
— Wildan S. Nahar (stay safe at 🏡) (@wildan3105) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Why is reece james still outside??🤔🤔
— Davestroworld💙 (@Daveicek1) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I’m excited to watch this formation and how we play this game . Love to see this he is using everyone we are united as a team. All together in this hard time. Love blues
— Dipak Jangpangi (@dipak_chelsea) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I like it more energy and direct players in the forward positions. Alonso also give you a threat at left wingback. I expect Hudson Odoi to be key with Tammy, Werner and Alonso looking for crosses and cut backs.
— Oliver (@Oliver69896618) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Massive attacking team
— Olayinka Onifade (@martinsolayink5) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
IN TUCHEL WE TRUST. Even if it means Marcos Alonso starts…
— Tuchel Ball (@TucheIBall) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Happy to see Mount, Werner and Alonso in the squad. Let’s be honest, Chilwell hasn’t been great the last couple of games and Emerson can’t cross. The best left foot is that of Alonso and as a wingback am happy to to see him back
— Asamoah Matthew odame (@MatthewAsamoah) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Honestly, i think its another experimental selection, and giving all the players a chance to impress before the final 11 is picked, that’s why we’re seeing so many changes particularly in attack…
This is also not tuchel’s 11 definitely.
— Thomas, Not Tuchel. (@TDYSBD) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I’m sure some eyebrows will be raised, particularly with the inclusion of Alonso again, but let’s just trust what the new gaffer wants – it is a true new slate for everyone. He’ll quickly learn what works, what doesn’t, who works and who doesn’t. Let’s get this win 🙌
— Joel 🐊 (@CFCJoel__) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Its Rudiger’s last chance to prove that he’s shouldn’t be sold;
Alonso needs to get back into it so yes;
Havertz is being saved for the bigger games I think….
I’m not mad at the line up…..actually….
— Sisi Bogus (@elisahthedaije) January 31, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Are we going to see Kovacic and Jorginho pass it to each other 100 times again or will be maybe score some goals?
— ChelseAndy (@andy_chelse) January 31, 2021
