Chelsea supporters have been subject to a rollercoaster of a campaign through 14 games, but there’s no doubt that the Mauricio Pochettino experience has been more enjoyable than 2022/23.
The Blues may reside in mid-table mediocrity ahead of the hectic festive period, but there’s scope for optimism in west London, that’s for sure. There’s something to get behind.
Chelsea took advantage of a Brighton side that aren’t having much fun with the Thursday/Sunday experience at the weekend, although they were forced to hold on in the second half after Conor Gallagher was sent off just before half-time.
Gallagher will thus be absent from Pochettino’s starting XI for their trip to Manchester United on Wednesday night.
GK: Robert Sanchez – It remains to be seen whether the Spaniard is just a stop-gap, but he’ll have the entire campaign to prove he could be a long-term option.
RB: Reece James – The Chelsea captain will return to the side after serving a one-game suspension at the weekend.
CB: Thiago Silva – Silva has shown signs of decline this season, but he could still be favoured over Axel Disasi on Wednesday.
CB: Benoit Badiashile – The former Monaco defender has started Chelsea’s last two games since returning from injury and he’ll likely keep his place in the side.
LB: Levi Colwill – It was a mixed outing for Colwill against his former club on Sunday. He scored his first Chelsea goal to double their lead in the first half, but he offered too much space to Facundo Buonanotte for Brighton’s first goal.
CM: Moises Caicedo – We’re yet to see the best of Caicedo in west London, but Pochettino will undoubtedly persist with the Ecuadorian.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – Fernandez delivered his first two Premier League goals at a time when his performances were coming under criticism.
RM: Raheem Sterling – The Englishman has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season, and he’ll fancy his chances against whoever lines up at left-back for United.
AM: Cole Palmer – Palmer could drift infield on Wednesday with Gallagher suspended. The England international impressed in a more central position against Arsenal in October.
LM: Mykhailo Mudryk – While Mudryk remains raw and unable to contribute regularly in the final third, Pochettino doesn’t have too many alternatives down Chelsea’s left flank.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson’s in-behind threat will give the slow-turning Harry Maguire something to think about, and he’ll also have a point to prove to his manager with Nkunku closing on full fitness.
READ MORE BUILD-UP TO MAN UTD VS CHELSEA AT OLD TRAFFORD
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