Pochettino set to start £40m Chelsea star in new role after Gallagher blow
Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League on the weekend as they defeated a spirited Brighton and Hove Albion side 3-2, despite going down to ten men during the first half.
The Blues enjoyed a wonderful start to the game, opening up a two goal advantage after just 21 minutes before Brighton scored to make it 2-1.
Conor Gallagher then received his second yellow card on the stroke of halftime and it looked as though Mauricio Pochettino was in for a long second half.
Despite this, Enzo Fernandez restored the two goal lead and while Joao Pedro netted with minutes remaining, the Stamford Bridge outfit saw out the game and secured a crucial three points.
What the Argentinian needs now is some consistency as the club know how to get results against the big guns, recording draws against Manchester City and Arsenal in recent weeks, along with defeating Tottenham Hotspur, yet it is the games against slightly weaker teams which is proving to be their undoing.
A tie against Manchester United tomorrow evening will be the test to judge exactly if Chelsea can build up some consistency as the Old Trafford side are going through a torrid spell at the minute.
The Blues will be without Gallagher for the clash however, as he is suspended following his sending off against Brighton and this will be a big blow considering how good he has been this term.
The players who could replace Conor Gallagher
Pochettino is still without Christopher Nkunku due to injury, but it looks as though he could make his debut sooner rather than later and he will be another exciting addition to add into the starting XI.
The Frenchman has yet to make an appearance for the club but will be fighting it out with Gallagher for the attacking midfield slot when he is finally fit and healthy.
The ideal option for the manager to go with against United in a number ten slot is Cole Palmer. The former Manchester City youngster has often been utilised wide right this season, yet in a different and more advanced central role – a position just three of his 16 Chelsea games have come in – Palmer could cause even more chaos to opposition defenders.
Cole Palmer’s season in numbers
In what was one of the more surprising pieces of transfer business conducted in the Premier League during the summer, Palmer cost Chelsea £40m and it could well turn into one of the best signings of Pochettino’s career.
He emerged onto the scene last season for City, making 25 appearances across all competitions while winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.