Chelsea’s recent Premier League performances have been a mixed bag, showing resilience but also areas needing improvement. Over the last five matches, they have secured one win, drawn three, and suffered one defeat. The victory against Fulham was hard-fought, with Chelsea managing to edge out a 2-1 win despite playing with ten men for a portion of the match. Their ability to secure three points in challenging circumstances highlights their resilience and adaptability.
In matches against higher-tier teams like Manchester City and Newcastle United, Chelsea demonstrated their capability to compete at a high level, securing draws in both encounters. The 1-1 draw with Manchester City was tightly contested, with Chelsea maintaining a solid defensive structure despite being under pressure, as indicated by City’s eight corners to Chelsea’s two. Against Newcastle, Chelsea showcased their attacking potential and ability to dominate possession, with 53% control of the ball.
However, Chelsea’s home form has raised some concerns, particularly in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities (evidenced by their 12 corners against Bournemouth), they failed to convert dominance into victories. This inefficiency in front of goal and lapses in defense at critical moments have been a recurring theme that needs addressing.
The current injury list is relatively short, with Dário Essugo the only notable absentee. This allows Chelsea to field a strong predicted lineup, featuring key players like Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in midfield, which could offer stability and creativity. The inclusion of Liam Delap as the primary attacker suggests an intention to exploit opposition defenses with pace and precision. However, the team will need to maintain discipline, as evidenced by their propensity to collect yellow cards, which has led to pressure situations in past fixtures. Overall, Chelsea’s tactical approach will likely focus on solidifying defensive efforts while capitalizing on their ability to control possession and create chances in the final third.