Chelsea predicted lineup vs Al Hilal - Club World Cup

Thomas Tuchel is eyeing another trophy
Thomas Tuchel is eyeing another trophy / Robin Jones/GettyImages
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Chelsea will begin their second attempt at winning the Club World Cup on Wednesday when they travel to face Al Hilal.

The Blues came up short in 2012 but will hope to go one better this time around, although Thomas Tuchel will have to navigate a handful of selection issues if he wants to win this one.

Here's how the boss could line up his side.


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa will start again / Craig Mercer/MB Media/GettyImages

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) - Edouard Mendy has only just finished up with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, so Kepa should get another start here.

Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Chalobah made his return from a hamstring injury towards the end of the victory over Plymouth and this could be a good chance for him to get some more minutes.

Malang Sarr (CB) - Used more as a left-back recently, Sarr could return to a back three here.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - A permanent fixture of the team, Rudiger never seems to need a rest.

2. Midfielders

Timo Werner
Werner deserves another opportunity / Craig Mercer/MB Media/GettyImages

Callum Hudson-Odoi (RM) - Reece James has travelled but is not fully fit, while Cesar Azpilicueta could do with a rest after hobbling off against Plymouth. Expect an attack-minded selection here.

Saul Niguez (CM) - Tuchel should rotate his midfield a little bit, meaning Saul could come in to try and build on his impressive recent improvement.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Kovacic came off earliest against Plymouth, so that might mean he gets the start here.

Marcos Alonso (LM) - Don't be surprised if Kenedy sees some minutes during this game, but Tuchel could started with Alonso here.

3. Forwards

Kai Havertz
Havertz should come in up top / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Timo Werner (RW) - It's about time we had some shake-ups in attack. Werner has barely played recently and deserves another opportunity.

Kai Havertz (ST) -
After an underwhelming showing against Plymouth, Romelu Lukaku could do with a spell on the bench. Havertz deserves his spot for now.

Christian Pulisic (LW) - With Mason Mount carrying a knock, it could be time for Pulisic to see more minutes.

You can read 90min's preview of the game here.