Yep, it's that time of year, folks: Chelsea away. Where dreams die, and nihilism rules.
None of us need reminding of our dire record at Stamford Bridge since the Premier League's inception, with our sole victory arriving courtesy of a Dele Alli brace in 2018. More than eight years on, the aforementioned starlet is practically enjoying retirement and evolving into a social media figure that few would suggest is worthy of looking up to.
It's a shame this fixture arrives when it does because we enjoyed a cathartic release on Monday night. Far from a dazzling display, but a desperately needed three points were attained. Our first Premier League win. I'd snap your hand off for a positive result on Saturday, just so we don't quickly lose the momentum built after the international break.
Roberto De Zerbi heads into the bout with a relatively long injury list, and here's the team he could pick in west London.
Defense: GK Antonín Kinsky - RB Archie Gray - CB Jan Paul van Hecke - CB Micky van de Ven - LB Andy Robertson
Injuries forced the manager to switch to a back three against Coventry, but I don't think it quite worked. While Chelsea are now a 3-4-2-1 team with Xabi Alonso, I'd like to see the boss revert to a back four.
There's hope that Pedro Porro will be fit enough to play some part in Saturday's game, although a start seems unlikely. He's working his way back from a hamstring injury sustained more than a month ago. I suspect Archie Gray will start at right-back, having finished there against Coventry.
De Zerbi has a dilemma at centre-back, with Tosin Adarabioyo likely available to face his former club. I was impressed with Tosin last time out, but don't think he makes the team here. Instead, it'll be the two Dutchmen at the heart of our defense, and Andy Robertson down the left—just so he can build on the relationship he started to forge against Coventry.
Midfield: DM Sandro Tonali - DM Mateus Fernandes - AM James Maddison
Conor Gallagher was pretty wretched off the bench on Monday, yet I wouldn't be surprised if De Zerbi picks him here. In truth, I wouldn't mind it.
However, I desperately want Sandro Tonali to finally work in tandem with fellow newbie Mateus Fernandes. The latter missed training ahead of Coventry after welcoming a son into his family, but should've had a full week under his belt heading into this one. Together, they should develop a great relationship.
And it has to be James Maddison ahead of them. He's the X-factor; the man who makes everything just that little bit easier. One of Maddison's few appearances last season arrived off the bench in this fixture.
Forwards: RW Mohammed Kudus - CF Dominic Solanke - LW Omar Marmoush
I'm not expecting any changes to the frontline, even if the trio toiled for much of Monday's game. Chelsea are improving defensively, but last week's clean sheet at Everton was their first in the Premier League since January. We should have opportunities to hurt our hosts on Saturday.
Omar Marmoush needs to be working in close proximity to the centre-forward, and occupy that left half-space as much as possible. He was at least able to combine with Robertson for his first goal for the club, and we're going to need the Scot to run it back to his glory days with Liverpool for a little while. If he's bustling up and down, Marmoush can patiently wait for the optimal moment to pounce in the pockets.
Mohammed Kudus lines up down the right after a bright enough showing last time out. I'd love to see him regain the assertiveness that helped him thrive at the start of last season, but there was an improvement against Coventry on that front. Like Maddison, he's a game-breaker for the visitors.
Dominic Solanke rounds off the XI.
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