Revealed: The starting XI that Chelsea supporters demand this season
Simon Phillips reveals the starting XI that Chelsea supporters would like to see following his polls on social media.
With just six days remaining of the current transfer window, some Chelsea fans are weighing up the reality of beginning the season with the current crop of players in the squad.
Of course, there are expected talks over this weekend between manager Maurizio Sarri and players regarding their futures, such as Willian, Gary Cahill, and Thibaut Courtois. So, there could well be a busy end to this window, with replacements lined up and more targets allegedly being chased.
But if we were to start with our current squad, I asked Twitter followers to pick their own starting eleven, and here are the results that have been taken from an average of 5,000 voters per position.
Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois starts in goal with 68% of votes, followed by impressive 18-year old Polish keeper Marcin Bulka backing him up with 28% of votes.
Right-back – Cesar Azpilicueta
Unanimously Cesar Azpilicueta wins the vote hands down, receiving a massive 92%. Backed up by Davide Zappacosta who came second with just 4% of the votes.
Left-back – Emerson
A slightly closer result, but the fans have chosen Emerson to be the number one left back with 64% of the votes, followed by Marcos Alonso backing him up with 30%.
Centre-backs – David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger
Blues fans have chosen a pairing of Antonio Rudiger with 53%, and David Luiz with 24%. Andreas Christensen was close with 21%.
Defensive midfielder – Jorginho
Our hugely impressive and talented new signing Jorginho comes in with 76% of the votes, followed by N’Golo Kante with 23%
Central midfielder – N’Golo Kante
That man N’Golo Kante starts with a massive 93% of the votes. Backed up by Ross Barkley who received 4%.
Second central midfielder – Ross Barkley
A new and improved, injury free Ross Barkley gets the nod as the third midfielder with 47% of the votes, backed up by another England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek with 27%, and then Cesc Fabregas with 25%.
Left-wing – Eden Hazard
Well, there is only one winner here, the man in contention to captain the side this year, Eden Hazard starts with 87% of the voting, backed up by high flying 17-year old Callum Hudson-Odoi with 11% of the votes.
Right-wing – Callum Hudson-Odoi
Supporters want to see Hudson-Odoi start on the other side of the wing, with the youngster gaining 58% of the votes, followed by Willian backing him up with 21% of the votes.
Striker – Michy Batshuayi
Alvaro Morata is enduring a torrid time at the moment, and fans are sensing his lack of confidence. They have chosen to start with returning loan star Michy Batshuayi as the leading man up top, receiving a significant 71% of the votes, backed up by the aforementioned Morata who gained just 19% of the votes.
So, the fans have spoken. We could have a busy week next week with buying and selling, but if this does stay as our squad this season, what are your thoughts?