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AM: Mason Mount
The Chelsea superstar has enjoyed a meteoric rise and is expected to return to action against Villarreal. Mount is probably the first person on the teamsheet and has only grown in confidence under Tuchel.
Due to his involvement with England at Euro 2020, Mount enjoyed an extended holiday and did not play in any of the pre-season games for Chelsea. However, the 22-year-old is expected to slot straight into the line-up for the clash against Villarreal.
Chelsea will be hoping to rely on Mount to provide them with the X-factor inside the final third against Villarreal. Undoubtedly, the midfielder will want to taste further European silverware with his boyhood club.
AM: Hakim Ziyech
There is no denying the fact that Ziyech failed to impress in his first season at Chelsea. Barring two important goals in victories over Manchester City in the FA Cup and Premier League towards the end of last season, he failed to live up to his credentials.
Despite rumors of him leaving the club, Ziyech responded in spectacular fashion during pre-season. The Moroccan netted a hat-trick in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Chelsea last month before netting a brace in their final pre-season outing against Tottenham Hotspur.
Purely based on the form he is in, Ziyech deserves to start the UEFA Super Cup clash against Villarreal. If he gets the opportunity, the attacker will be determined to make an impression at the expense of Villarreal, who cannot afford any lapses in concentration while dealing with him.
ST: Kai Havertz
Tuchel enjoyed considerable success while deploying Havertz as a false-nine last season. Although an agreement has been reached to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could still use Havertz in a similar role in some games.
The UEFA Super Cup outing against Villarreal seems like the ideal opportunity to try and utilize Havertz's abilities to the best in a central role. Timo Werner has not looked entirely convincing while shouldering the responsibility up top and it wouldn't be a surprise if he starts on the bench.
Havertz found the back of the net during the win over Arsenal in pre-season and seems ready to pick up from where he left off last season. Considering his tall frame and quick feet, the German could cause a few problems for Villarreal if he is trusted with the role up front.
Irrespective of who starts up front for Chelsea, the Blues will be hoping they can hit the ground running straightaway against Villarreal at Windsor Park on Thursday (IST).
