Defensive midfield: Caicedo, Fernandez
Pochettino will need two big performances from the £222million duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who have been solid but unspectacular since landing at Stamford Bridge from Benfica and Brighton respectively. Romeo Lavia should provide competition for the duo when fit, although it looks like he will miss the remainder of the season.
Attacking midfield: Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling
Gallagher has a fan in Pochettino, even if he divides the Chelsea fanbase at times, and he will be tasked with bringing energy and tenacity to an advanced central midfield role if selected. Cole Palmer is the Blues’ top scorer and assister in the Premier League, making him absolutely untouchable in the starting XI, while Raheem Sterling may just edge out Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke for the left-sided starting berth.
