“Start him and win the game” – Pochettino told to start 23-year-old Chelsea star against Manchester United tonight
Mauricio Pochettino will be going through his final selection notes ahead of tonight’s massive Premier League game against Manchester United.
Chelsea are without a win against tonight’s opponents in their last 12 meetings, and you have to go back more than two years for the time where they beat a traditional ‘big six’ side at Stamford Bridge.
There has never been a better time to put an end to this than now, with their hopes of qualifying for Europe beginning to fade.
Pochettino will therefore need to get his squad selection absolutely spot on if they are to break their duck against United, and there is one player who has proven in recent weeks that he is due a start in a key game like this.
Mudryk has to start vs Manchester United
Mykhailo Mudryk has found regular opportunities hard to come by this season, even though the general consensus is that his game has progressed under the current man in charge.
However, his performance in the draw against Burnley should have been enough to prove that he was one of the few in attack who carried a threat.
His direct running was a real bonus, and he will likely be facing a backline in the face of injuries.
While all the eyes will likely be on Cole Palmer following his brilliant campaign so far this season, there is an opportunity for the Ukranian to finally get the unconvinced section of the fanbase onside with a positive performance.
Pochettino cannot start Sterling
Starting Raheem Sterling would be a mistake by Pochettino, after his woeful form of late is not backed up by a dreadful long-term record against United.
Nicolas Jackson is likely to complete the attack, with his presence in the frontline crucial for pretty much anything Chelsea get going in attack.
Pochettino’s future likely relies on qualification for Europe next season, and that means starting winning, and now.