There’s a lot going on off the pitch around Chelsea. Roman Abramovich released a statement last night saying he has handed over his reigns to Chelsea’s charitable Foundation. The news has stunned the footballing world and Thomas Tuchel has admitted all the ‘uncertainty’ surrounding the club has distracted him and the players. The best way to respond is to put a telling performance in the cup final against a rampant Liverpool outfit. For that, the team selection will have to be right.
Tuchel was able to deliver positive team news in his press conference ahead of the final. Reece James, who hasn’t featured since December, along with Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who limped off in midweek, were back in training. Whether or not the German will risk them for such a big occasion remains to be seen. The big decision Tuchel has to make though is who will lead the line for his team.
Will it be Kai Havertz, who has adapted to the false nine role well, or will it be Romelu Lukaku, who is a traditional number nine but is struggling for form?
How do their numbers compare against each other?
Lukaku has played 28 games this season, and has recorded 10 goals and zero assists. He did score two in two games recently in the Club World Cup, but followed it up with his worst performance of the season against Crystal Palace. Off the back of it, he was dropped for the midweek win over Lille in the Champions League.
Havertz scored in that midweek win, that was one of his seven goals he has managed in 29 games this season. He also has two assists to go along side his seven goals. Both Lukaku and Havertz have similar statistics in terms of goal involvement. However, you have to consider the fact that the Belgian is an out-and-out striker whereas Havertz has operated as a false-nine and often in wider positions to support Lukaku.
Recent form and teammates
Lukaku did score two in the Club World Cup, but Havertz also scored what was the match winner in that competition. The young German also scored in his most recent appearance in midweek, whereas Lukaku was dropped following a disappointing performance last weekend.
Havertz is in better form, and it’s worth mentioning how well he linked up with his teammates in midweek. The team’s performance against Lille was cohesive and a convincing one. In contrast, the performance against Palace was drab and an undeserved one. Havertz seems to have a better rapport with his teammates than Lukaku. If that is the case, he should start ahead of the Belgian.
Whoever starts, this is a big game for Chelsea, perhaps bigger than it is for Liverpool. The Reds have a realistic chance of catching Man City now. But for the Blues, it is all about the cup competitions from here on.