EXCL: Osimhen keen on PL move, Pochettino to move for PL-proven targets and has power going forward, Toney update, Palmer set to start tonight, Broja to get nod? Infinite to be sleeve sponsors? More..
The Ben Jacobs Chelsea FC column!
Chelsea travel to Fulham this evening with a chance to build some momentum after the 1-0 League Cup victory over Brighton.
January’s visit to Craven Cottage kind of summed up last season. Chelsea looked lively on Joao Felix’s debut, but the Portuguese playmaker then got sent off and Chelsea lost the game 2-1.
Mauricio Pochettino is again restricted by injuries for the match, but Chelsea still have enough quality to start as favourites.
Marc Cucurella has arguably earned a start based on his second-half performance against Brighton playing on the right-hand side. With Ben Chilwell injured – which is another big blow – Levi Colwill might remain at left-back. He was keeping Chilwell out of the starting XI anyway. But another option is for Cucurella or Ian Maatsen to fill that role allowing Colwill to revert to his favoured centre-back position.
Colwill is clearly more comfortable at centre-back, but Pochettino seems to prefer him on the left side because he offers protection to Thiago Silva. There’s definitely some logic in this, but the downside is Colwill doesn’t bring the best out of Mykhailo Mudryk because he’s not as attack-minded as a fit Chilwell. This is why I think Maatsen should be used against Fulham. He is adept at left-back and relishes getting into more advanced positions. He was impressive in pre-season when utilised in attacking areas.
I also think Cole Palmer will start against Fulham. He was outstanding against Brighton so it will be a big surprise if he isn't in the starting XI.
And it would make sense to let Armando Broja lead the line as well, presuming he's fit, keeping Raheem Sterling in a wide position. It’s a big opportunity for the Albanian striker to start scoring and ultimately convince Chelsea not to move in January for another forward.
As it stands, Chelsea are starting to plan for an established goal scorer. Ivan Toney remains a possibility. A lot will depend on price. Brentford would be looking for around £60m next summer, but a mid-season move, especially if multiple suitors come calling, could raise that number significantly. Some sources even suggest it’s going to take £80m.
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