Chelsea head into their London derby clash against Tottenham with the boost that N’Golo Kante is fit to play against the North Londoners. Boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that the Frenchman has fully recovered from the ankle injury he suffered against Liverpool last month.
Kante is likely to go straight into the team for the Spurs game. Express Sport predicts five changes from the Blues’ last Premier League match against Aston Villa.
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
Mendy was excellent against Villa and has solidified his place as the club’s No 1 goalkeeper.
He has played in every match since the beginning of the Premier League campaign, despite Kepa Arrizabalaga’s penalty-saving heroics against Villarreal in the European Super Cup.
Mendy made an incredible double save to deny Villa in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory last weekend.
His six saves were the most he has made in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.
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Central midfield: N’Golo Kante and Jorginho
Tuchel could completely switch his midfield despite Mateo Kovacic’s excellent performance against Villa. The Croatian bagged a goal and an assist.
Summer loan signing Saul Niguez could also drop out having struggled last weekend. The Atletico Madrid midfielder was hauled off at half-time and replaced by Jorginho, who might start against Spurs.
The main team news, though, is that Tuchel has Kante available. The 30-year-old has recovered from the ankle injury he suffered against Liverpool last month.
Tuchel said: “N’Golo is back, and back in full shape and ready to play.”
Attack: Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku
The Chelsea boss has a plethora of options to choose from for the two roles behind Lukaku.
Mount, Havertz, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have all featured this season. Christian Pulisic remains injured.
Tuchel could choose to put Mount back in, having left the 22-year-old on the bench against Villa. The England midfielder was taken off early against Zenit, perhaps in anticipation of a start against Spurs.
Germany star Havertz has started the season well. He could line up behind Lukaku, whose place in the team is one of the few that are guaranteed.
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