Maurizio Sarri
Chelsea managed to maintain their winning run in the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’s Park last weekend.
Eden Hazard’s goal from the penalty spot gifted Chelsea the lead but it was DeAndre Yedlin’s 87th-minute own goal that proved to be the difference, following Joselu’s headed equalizer.
In spite of maintaining a good majority of the possession, it was not a good day at the office for the Blues as they missed a lot of chances. However, Maurizio Sarri should be happy with the three points since Newcastle largely played a defensive game and loaded the penalty area with a lot of players to keep the Chelsea attackers at bay.
Chelsea face Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend and the Blues must aim to continue their winning run.
Cesc Fabregas continues to recover from his knee injury, meaning he will be unavailable. Marco van Ginkel is expected to be out for the season with an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The new signing had little to do against Newcastle and was hardly at fault for the goal. Sarri should continue with the Spaniard as his No.1.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The Spaniard looked solid defensively and posed a threat from the sides while going up front. He is one of Chelsea’s automatic selections and must retain his position in the team.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
The German did not have a lot to do against Newcastle but he hit the crossbar with a thunderous 35-yard piledriver. He has shown signs of improvement in the defensive third and Sarri should continue to pick him.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
David Luiz failed to stop Joselu from heading in the equalizer. Furthermore, he has been at fault for most of the goals Chelsea have conceded this season. Hence, it is high time that Sarri picks Christensen ahead of Luiz.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
Marcos Alonso is indispensable for Chelsea and Sarri should definitely pick him.
N’golo Kante (CDM)
Kante continues to dominate the central areas of the park with his tackles, interceptions and work rate. He is another automatic selection for Chelsea.
Jorginho (LCM)
Jorginho successfully dictates the tempo of the midfield with his wonderful range of passing. Thus, he should retain his position in the team.
Mateo Kovacic (RCM)
The Croatian has proved his worth for the Blues in the midfield, putting up a solid performance against Newcastle. He should start ahead of Ross Barkley.
Pedro (RW)
The former Barcelona man has begun the season brightly with a couple of goals. He hasn’t done much wrong and must start ahead of Willian.
Eden Hazard (LW)
He is Chelsea’s talisman and is indispensable for the team’s success. He has had a great season so far and the Belgian must continue delivering for the Londoners.
Read More: Opinion: Holding onto this £80,000-a-week superstar could do a world of good for Chelsea this season
Olivier Giroud (ST)
It looked as if Alvaro Morata had a turnaround of fortunes after scoring against Arsenal but the Spaniard was disappointing against Newcastle. Olivier Giroud has looked a lot more active and Sarri should hand him his first start of the season.
