Chelsea lost their Champions League knockout first leg to Borussia Dortmund, but they had plenty of chances, and it’s easy to imagine them turning the tie around at Stamford Bridge if the game has the same pattern and a few things go their way.
They will need to be at full strength to do it however, and Graham Potter has decided to gamble on making sure that’s the case.
The leaks of tomorrow’s squad show that a host of starters are being rested.
Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva all NOT in Chelsea’s squad for tomorrows game against Southampton. [@C345Sam]
Thoughts? 👇 pic.twitter.com/zCuhLfgDZS
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) February 17, 2023
The rumours are that Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva are all not in the squad, and we’d expect Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and perhaps Joao Felix to be on the bench too.
Southampton are a poor side, but we’ve struggled to beat poor sides – or any sides – in recent weeks. It’s a gamble – let’s hope a smart one. It could mean a fresh chance for Lewis Hall, a new partnership at centre back, RLC continuing his important squad role, a return for Raheem Sterling, and maybe even a chance for David Datro Fofana.
Very strange considering this a virtual must win. [scratching head]