Edwards Alonso
Edwards Alonso
Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
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Chelsea FC Training Session
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For any midfielder, getting praise from Zidane will instantly spike your confidence. Lavia is match-sharp, fitter than he’s ever been since his move to Chelsea, and ready to go if Alonso picks him on Saturday.
He’s even been touted as a future Ballon d’Or winner by a former Anderlecht boss since his performance in Paris. Alonso would be foolish not to start him when his confidence is higher than it’s ever been.
The contenders: Who could start in midfield on Saturday?
Last time out, Jordan Henderson and Valentin Barco were both given starts by Alonso at Brentford. Whether it was their first Chelsea starts, or playing alongside each other, it really didn’t work.
It was a learning curve for Alonso. He made too many changes – even if enforced – at once. Barco and Henderson remain options, while Moises Caicedo is back in the frame, but might start off the bench.
Reece James is also expected to be fit. Xabi Alonso’s preferred double pivot is Caicedo and James, but Saturday might come too soon to start both. Surely, Lavia returns to the starting line-up on Saturday.