2 Ways Chelsea Will Line-Up vs Al Hilal With Mount And James Still Absent Revealed

On Wednesday, Chelsea kick off their Club World Cup campaign in Abu Dhabi as they take on Saudi side Al Hilal.

With all respect to Asian Champions League winners, there’s no need for Chelsea to risk their players might have some niggles or are yet to arrive in the United Arab Emirates.

That’s why we can expect Kepa to start, with Edouard Mendy yet to join the squad after the African Cup of Nations triumph.

Mason Mount might be rested too after a forced sub in the Plymouth game. Reece James has been ruled out of contention.

So, who should the Blues’ coaching staff turn to for this game?

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First Option

Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have not had a lot of playing time in recent games, and it may be time to turn to them, as the Blues still can’t get firing up front with Romelu Lukaku as the No.9.

Hakim Ziyech, meanwhile, might be a nailed-on starter in the front line. He might be inconsistent, but he has also scored three goals in the last six games and is always capable of a magic moment.

Second Option

Alternatively, Thomas Tuchel (who would still make the selection despite being self-isolated in Cobham) could keep the 4-2-2-2 formation.

The Werner-Lukaku partnership was thought to be a viable option for Chelsea after the Belgian’s arrival – it might be a chance to test (or squash) the theory against an inferior opponent.