Mauricio Pochettino to consider ruthless Chelsea decision against Tottenham amid injury return

Chelsea take on Tottenham on Monday night in the Premier League and Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make on his starting lineup as he returns to his former club

Chelsea make the trip across London on Monday with the difficult task of taking on the Premier League’s top side after 10 matches. Tottenham remain unbeaten in the division in 2023/24 and a hostile environment may await Mauricio Pochettino as he returns to his former side.

The Blues have often performed better against teams more willing to come forward against them and Chelsea’s 51-year-old head coach will hope that is the same against Ange Postecoglou’s side. Chelsea will be hoping to forge some momentum having lost to Brentford in their last Premier League match.

Pochettino has been boosted by the return to training of Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja, though it remains to be seen how much of an impact either can have. A decision is also required on Reece James who made his first start since August in the Carabao Cup victory over Blackburn.

Scott Trotter
With no opportunity for Djordje Petrovic in Chelsea’s match with Blackburn during midweek, it’s an obvious decision to see Robert Sanchez in goal once again. However, for one of the first times this season, the options in the backline in front of him are more problematic.

Pochettino admitted how important Reece James was to his side, and if he is fit enough to start once again it would be a smart decision for the Blues to have their captain. The added threat James has going forward could be particularly useful with uncertainty over Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies.