Pochettino told how to line up vs Sheffield Utd as Chelsea prepare Nkunku return(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

How Chelsea could lineup with Christopher Nkunku as Mauricio Pochettino makes huge decision

Chelsea supporters will be desperate to see Christopher Nkunku in action when the Blues face Sheffield United this weekend

15 Dec 2023, 08:30 by Jake Stokes · football.london

Mauricio Pochettino has been dealt a major team selection dilemma ahead of Chelsea's clash against Sheffield United. The Blues will welcome the Blades to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon as either side looks to climb the Premier League table during the fixture-filled festive period.

Chelsea head into the tie off the back of a two successive defeats to Manchester United and Everton. Meanwhile, Chris Wilder's side will be hoping to build upon their impressive display against Brentford last weekend after a tremendous strike from James McAtee secured the newly-promoted side three crucial points.

While Sheffield United may be confident that they can continue their rich form in west London, Pochettino could have a trick up his sleeve. Christopher Nkunku, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig in the summer for around £52million, is still yet to make his competitive debut for the club after picking up an injury in the summer.

The 26-year-old forward was dealt a hefty blow to his knee during a pre-season clash against Borussia Dortmund in the United States and has been out of action ever since. After months of rehabilitation and hard work in the gym, Nkunku has recently returned to first-team training at Cobham and he'll be hoping for a few minutes – at the very least – against the Blades.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how Chelsea could set up this weekend if the Frenchman finally makes his return.

Formation

Chelsea flourished with Nkunku in the number ten role during pre-season. Instead of sticking with a 4-3-3, Pochettino will be inclined to refer back to a 4-2-3-1 which grants the marksman the freedom to roam the final third.

Defence

Robert Sanchez has hardly put a foot wrong since joining the west London outfit in the summer, but the same cannot be said about Chelsea's backline. With that being said, it's time for Pochettino to take a risk and begin building for the future.

Ideally, Ian Maatsen is granted his chance to impress at left-back, but Marc Cucurella or Levi Colwill will likely be selected instead. At centre-half, a partnership of Colwill and Benoit Badiashile would be a great step forward for the Blues.

Axel Disasi has proven to be a shrewd investment for Chelsea this season, so if Colwill is picked at left-back then the former Monaco defender would be a more than worthy partner for Badiashile. With that being said, Pochettino is short on options at right-back.

The Blues are in a race against time to get Malo Gusto back from the treatment room, so either Alex Matos or Josh-Kofi Acheampong could fill in.

Midfield

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez can offer Chelsea great balance in the middle of the park – but they'll need support from their full-backs in wide spaces. While it'd be nice to see Noni Madueke return to the lineup, Pochettino should push Palmer onto the right-wing to accommodate Nkunku in the number ten role.

With the former Manchester City star cutting inside onto his left foot, whoever features at right-back will be encouraged to overlap throughout the tie.

Attack

Mykhailo Mudryk was one of just a few players who impressed for Chelsea at Goodison Park last weekend, so he should keep his place in the starting lineup. As aforementioned, Palmer can operate on the right while Nkunku takes up an attacking midfield role.

Neither Nicolas Jackson or Armando Broja have necessarily set the Premier League alight this season, the former did enjoy a brilliant partnership with Mudryk and Nkunku during pre-season. While it is of course just a small sample size, the trio combined really well in the United States.

Starting lineup

Robert Sanchez; Ian Maatsen, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer; Nicolas Jackson.

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