Mauricio Pochettino names ‘worst Chelsea lineup ever witnessed’ as fans ask ‘what the hell is this’
CHELSEA fans have been left fuming with manager Mauricio Pochettino for the starting XI he named against Sheffield United.
The Blues boss dropped Enzo Fernandez from his starting XI while also naming four natural centre-backs in the team.
Pochettino also named Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo as his midfield pivot, with Cole Palmer playing ahead of them in a very attacking front four.
Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling were named on the wings in support of frontman Nicolas Jackson.
There was one enforced change in goal with Djorde Petrovic making his debut between the sticks in place of the injured Robert Sanchez.
But Blues fans took to social media to vent their frustration at the set up, with many arguing that Fernandez’s passing range would be effective in opening up Chris Wilder‘s team.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “We’re playing at home against a low block. A game that is perfectly poised for Enzo Fernández with his passing range.
“Instead, we’re playing Caicedo and Gallagher in the pivot with 4 CBs. POCH, I can’t defend this.”
A second said: “This is the worst lineup I have ever witnessed.”
A third said: “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?”
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Another said: “Poch starting 4 cbs and no Enzo… most obvious 2-0 Sheff Utd FT.”
However, there was room for optimism as blockbuster summer signing Christopher Nkunku was named on the bench.
Chelsea have not lost against the Blades at home since 1992.
In fact, Sheffield Utd have not even kept a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge since 1922.
However, returning manager Chris Wilder was in the dugout the last time Sheffield Utd managed to beat Chelsea – a 3-0 win at Bramall Lane in 2020.
With the match not being shown on TV today, you can keep up to date with the game on SunSport’s live blog.