The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Tottenham

Giroud could be handed a start in Tuesday's London derby
Giroud could be handed a start in Tuesday's London derby / Pool/Getty Images
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Chelsea's performance against West Brom on Saturday epitomised the classic cliche 'a game of two halves' after they recovered from being 3-0 down to salvage a draw, and was not ideal preparation heading into their Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham.

Thiago Silva had a debut to forget after being caught out in possession, leading to Callum Robinson's second strike of the day. The 36-year-old centre-back was handed the captain's armband on his first appearance, but it'll be a day he'll want to quickly move on from.

Three academy graduates rescued a point for Chelsea despite their big summer of spending, as Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham struck for Frank Lampard's side. They'll be looking to build on their second-half performance in Tuesday's London derby with a place in the Carabao Cup fifth round at stake.


Goalkeeper & Defenders

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped for the match at The Hawthorns and has seen his potential permanent replacement arrive at Stamford Bridge in a £22m move from Rennes. Mendy could be set to make his debut at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Chelsea remain in desperate need of defensive stability.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) - The Spaniard came on at the interval on Saturday and played a pivotal role in the Blues' revival. The club captain steadied the sinking ship that was Chelsea's defence and provided an assist for Mount, who kick-started the comeback.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - Zouma was left out of the starting XI against West Brom to make room for Silva but is expected to return to action against Spurs on Tuesday.

Thiago Silva (CB) - With Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori linked with loan moves away from Stamford Bridge, Silva could be handed the chance to make amends for his disappointing debut sooner than he would have expected.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - Chelsea are hopeful that Chilwell has recovered from a heel injury that's kept him out of action since his £50m move from Leicester City in the summer. Marcos Alonso was hauled off at half-time on Saturday, and Lampard will be keen to get his new acquisition up to speed as quickly as possible.


Midfielders

Jorginho is expected to return to the starting line-up
Jorginho is expected to return to the starting line-up / Michael Regan/Getty Images

Jorginho (DM) - Lampard opted against his typical pairing of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante in the middle of the park in their 3-3 draw and may have been left regretting it. The Italy international splits opinion among Chelsea supporters, but his absence was felt in the first 45 minutes last time out, and he's expected to be restored to the starting XI.

Ross Barkley (CM) - The 26-year-old midfielder played no part in the last Premier League fixture and therefore is a likely candidate to feature from the off in the upcoming Carabao Cup clash.

Mason Mount (CM) - Mount played the most amount of minutes for Chelsea last season and has played every minute of the current campaign as well. He's clearly a favourite of the management at Stamford Bridge, and it would be a surprise to see him on the bench despite the busy schedule.


Forwards

Giroud came off the bench to help the Chelsea comeback on Sunday
Giroud came off the bench to help the Chelsea comeback on Sunday / Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Callum Hudson-Odoi (RW) - The teenager came off the bench at half-time and scored a superb goal against West Brom to give Chelsea hope. Lampard was very pleased with the winger's performance, and he should be rewarded with a place in the starting line-up against Tottenham.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (LW) - Although Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a loan move after being left out of Lampard's last three matchday squads, the 24-year-old could be handed one last opportunity to show he deserves a place in west London this season.

Olivier Giroud (ST) - Giroud has yet to start in 2020/21, and with Tammy Abraham scoring in his last two appearances, the Frenchman is sure to feature in the Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday.