Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has some interesting decisions to make with his team selection this weekend against Tottenham.
Chelsea delivered arguably their best performance of the season so far during last weekend’s 3-0 home win in the Premier League over Aston Villa. However, Enzo Maresca surprised everyone by making seven changes in midweek for the league trip to Southampton.
Paul Merson thought Chelsea rotation’s against Southampton was “dangerous”, but the Blues still came away with an emphatic 5-1 victory and another three points.
Next, Maresca’s side play away at London rivals Spurs on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
Benoît Badiashile of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC at Stamford Bridge on December 01, 2024 in Londo...
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Benoit Badiashile should start against Tottenham
It’s been confirmed that Wesley Fofana, who usually starts at centre-back next to Levi Colwill, will be absent against Spurs because of an injury problem. So, how should the Blues line up in defence?
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has only made three league appearances so far this season, starting just once.
Maresca should name the 23-year-old Frenchman in his starting line-up versus Spurs, though.
Badiashile has played 11 games across all competitions this campaign, and he’s barely put a foot wrong when he’s been called upon.
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The centre-back’s only and only league start this season was in last month’s 2-1 away win at Leicester City. Frank Leboeuf raved about Chelsea defender Badiashile after his performance at the King Power Stadium. Similarly, Jason Cundy said Badiashile was “excellent” against Leicester.
Chelsea have strength in depth
It’s been great to see Fofana and Colwill establish themselves as Chelsea’s first-choice pairing in the heart of defence, but there’s still some real quality in reserve backing them up.
Badiashile deserves his opportunity in a big match at Spurs to contribute. It’s a game where his ball-playing qualities and passing range could shine through.
Here is a look at Chelsea’s previous 10 matches across all competitions and Badiashile’s involvement:
Competition Fixture Minutes played Match rating
Premier League Southampton 1-5 Chelsea 0 –
Premier League Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa 30 6.4
Conference League Heidenheim 0-2 Chelsea 90 7.2
Premier League Leicester 1-2 Chelsea 90 7.9
Premier League Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal 0 –
Conference League Chelsea 8-0 Noah 90 6.8
Premier League Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea 0 –
Carabao Cup Newcastle United 2-0 Chelsea 90 6.1
Conference League Panathinaikos 1-4 Chelsea 90 7.4
Premier League Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea 37 6.7
Benoit Badiashile in Chelsea’s last 10 games via FOTMOB
Chelsea internally believe Badiashile is improving as a player this season, so this would be a great challenge away at Spurs.
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