Tuchel explains decision to bench Mendy as Chelsea rotation continues

Chelsea face Newcastle United in the second of two Premier League matches to take place on Monday evening.

Kick-off in west London is at 20:00 GMT.

Having rotated frequently since his appointment, Thomas Tuchel has sprung another surprise with his teamsheet tonight.

Edouard Mendy is the latest high-profile name to face bench duty, with Kepa Arrizabalaga given another chance to impress his new manager.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Tuchel explained his decision:

🗣️ Tuchel on Kepa/Mendy: “We need a strong Kepa in our squad. He had a good game in the cup, so we decided to give him another match to build up a little bit of rhythm and confidence – and give Edouard the chance to mentally recover, it’s a demanding position.”#FFScout #FPL pic.twitter.com/m29nROuctX

— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) February 15, 2021

Four of the five most-owned Chelsea players in Fantasy Premier League are among the substitutes this evening, with Timo Werner the only one to start.

In related news, none of the back five – including goalkeeper Mendy – that Frank Lampard favoured for much of 2020/21 makes Tuchel’s starting XI this evening.

Thiago Silva is still missing because of injury, with Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Kurt Zouma among the replacements.

Tammy Abraham starts ahead of Olivier Giroud up front, meanwhile.

Steve Bruce makes four changes to the Newcastle side that beat Southampton in Gameweek 23.

All four are enforced, with Javier Manquillo, Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar injured and Jeff Hendrick suspended.

In come Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles, Dwight Gayle and Emil Krafth into Bruce’s starting XI.

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Alonso, Abraham, Werner.

Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis, Hayden, Shelvey, Willock, Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Gayle.

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