This could be a very important game for Pochettino and Chelsea if they want to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Chelsea are currently sitting on 10th position, 12 points away from 4th placed Aston Villa.
It is still a long way to go, but anything other than a win against Brighton would be a huge blow for their UCL qualification hopes.
Here are three players who should be undroppable if Chelsea want to win the match this weekend.
Pochettino cannot afford to play around with Sterling
After a disappointing last season, Raheem Sterling is finally catching form this season. He has been a constant threat to the opposition with his pace and dribbling. Eventhough he doesn’t have the goals to back him up, he has been Chelsea’s best attacker this season.
In the previous game against Newcastle, where the rest of the team had a poor game, Sterling was the only bright spot. He was the only one in that game who was looking to make things happen. He even got himself a goal in that game, Chelsea’s only goal.
Chelsea have 3 players to choose from for 2 wide positions, but Sterling has become the first choice.
Thiago Silva has been a rock at the back for Chelsea and Pochettino
Thiago Silva had a poor game against Newcastle, but other than that, he has been a rock at the heart of Chelsea’s backline. He has started in every Premier League fixture for the Blues this season and one bad performance should not keep him out of the team.
Pochettino, anyways, does not have an option but to start the veteran center-back. With no natural full-back available for the Brighton game, Colwill and Disasi will have to play out of position. This leaves only Silva and Badiashile fit enough to start as center-backs.
Gallagher has been a rather unsung hero
Conor Gallagher is not as silky or skillful as other attacking-midfielders and that’s why he tends to be unnoticed. However, he has been a very important player for Chelsea this season. His work-rate is unmatched. He runs up and down the pitch, supporting the attack as well as helping out in defense. Pochettino and Chelsea will definitely require his work-rate against Brighton.
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