Estevao of Chelsea celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed following a VAR review
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea put defeats to Tottenham and Liverpool behind them with an important 2-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend. The Blues’ next opponents are bottom-of-the-table Sunderland, who they face at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso’s side climbed above Liverpool into fourth place with their latest win, and another three points against Sunderland could see them overtake Brighton in third. Here is the starting XI Alonso is likely to name for the final game before the November international break.
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How Chelsea could line up against Sunderland
Emiliano Martinez should be available for the Sunderland game after recovering from his jaw injury ahead of schedule. However, with the goalkeeper still needing a protective face mask and Mike Penders having performed well recently, the Belgian should keep his place.
Maxence Lacroix’s hamstring injury leaves Chelsea short of centre-back options. This makes a back four more likely, with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana expected to partner one another in the middle.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
James might be the best right-back in the world when fit. And he’s our captain. He has to start IMO
That attack could honestly cook🔥
Josh Acheampong should retain his place at right-back after becoming an integral part of Alonso’s side, but the opposite flank could change. £16 summer signing Pep Chavarria is better suited to playing as an orthodox full-back than Marco Palestra, who struggled defensively against Man Utd.
Having been the best player on the pitch against Man Utd, Romeo Lavia should keep his place in the starting XI. Starting three consecutive games raises fitness concerns, but the Blues have had a week to recover and prepare for Sunderland. Lavia is expected to partner Moises Caicedo in midfield.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are almost certain to start in the front four against a leaky Sunderland defence. Meanwhile, Estevao Willian deserves to keep his place on the right wing after getting the Stamford Bridge crowd on their feet throughout the previous match.
Alonso’s biggest decision is whether to use Pedro Neto as a false nine or bring Danny Welbeck in as a traditional centre-forward. Although Neto was not particularly effective against Man Utd, the Spaniard is a big admirer of the winger and will probably start him, leaving Welbeck on the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana, Chavarria; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Neto