THOMAS TUCHEL is wary of the need to strike a balance between maintaining Chelsea’s momentum and resting key players when he rotates his squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie, but one fringe player certain to start is Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This competition is the preserve of the back-up goalkeeper, with almost every Premier League club using the Cup to rotate between the sticks.
Chelsea, though, have more reason than most to give their No2 minutes against the Saints at Stamford Bridge because they are going to need Kepa this season. Their titles hopes may even hinge on the Spaniard.
Edouard Mendy has been one of the stars of the season, saving Chelsea from dropping points with an heroic display against Brentford, but the Senegalese goalkeeper is set to be among around 40 Premier League players to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations at the turn of the year.
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