So here we are, the first winter World Cup is upon us, and it is hard to predict what impact a congested start to the club season will have in Qatar.
The Blues again have heavy involvement in a major international tournament with 15 players either in the current first-team squad or on loan in the middle east with their nations. Graham Potter, like many of his peers, will be praying for key names to return unscathed after Christmas, as the Blues are already suffering the negative effect of a lengthy injury list.
Ahead of Sunday's opener between Qatar and Ecuador, we have tasked football.london writers Daniel Childs, Jake Stokes and Scott Clayton, to give their predictions for the World Cup, mainly focusing on those from Chelsea.
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Which Chelsea player will score the most goals at the World Cup?
Daniel Childs: I'm going for Raheem Sterling. He has a knack for scoring important goals for England and could rekindle that magical Euro's form in Qatar. Despite receiving criticism from Chelsea fans so far this season, he is actually the top scorer so far with five.
Jake Stokes: Kai Havertz. The 23-year-old is set to play a key role in Hansi Flick's side as Germany look to get their hands on the World Cup. Whether he's operating in a support role or leading the line, Havertz will likely be among all the action, just as we was at the Euros last year.
Germany could very well go the distance too. Looking at which Chelsea players could rival Havertz for goals in Qatar, Christian Pulisic stands a chance if he can find some form and the United States to make it past the Round of 16.
Scott Clayton: Raheem Sterling. He's had a bit of a rollercoaster start at Chelsea, going in good and bad bits of form. Like at the Euros, I expect him to be a key player for England. Kai Havertz is a safe second choice, as I expect Germany to score a fair few goals being a key man in the attack with former blue Timo Werner missing due to injury.
Who will be the standout Chelsea player at the World Cup?
Daniel Childs: Kai Havertz. Havertz looks freer and more decisive on the international stage for Germany. Although there are some doubts around Hansi Flick's side, I suspect they will get through the group and still boast enough quality to go far. Despite struggling for consistency at Chelsea, Havertz will likely impress for his nation again.
Jake Stokes: Thiago Silva. Brazil are widely considered as favourites in the competition, and the veteran centre-half will be central to all success his nation enjoys this winter.
Scott Clayton: Thiago Silva. Brazil enters every World Cup as one of the tournament favourites to win. At 38 years of age, it's expected this will be his last World Cup, and like his form for Chelsea, I expect a solid display on the biggest stage.
Will Mason Mount or Conor Gallagher start for England in their opening World Cup fixture?
Daniel Childs: I think Mount is more likely, given his regular involvement under Southgate. Tactically he just offers many things you need at this level and is used to playing either an inside forward role or left of a midfield three should Southgate vary his approach. Gallagher is new to this squad and will likely be used from the bench.
Jake Stokes: Yes. Mount will, Gallagher will not. Mount doesn't 'qualify' for England's strongest eleven at the moment, but he's trusted by Southgate and a reliable member of the squad.
Scott Clayton: Mount, yes. Gallagher, no. Neither of the Chelsea players have been in form as of late like most of the Chelsea squad, but Southgate usually picks Mount in all his teams, and I expect he will set up a little more cautious in the opening group game, making sure to control the game and Mount will be the man that glues the midfield and attack together to let the likes of Sterling and other roam.
Will Christian Pulisic score against England?
Daniel Childs: I'm gonna say yes because of xNarrative given he is likely to be relied upon at this tournament to get the USA out of Group B.
Jake Stokes: Yes. It's written the stars for Pulisic to score against the Three Lions, especially after having struggled to generate any sort of form for Chelsea since the pandemic Project Restart.
Scott Clayton: It would be typical to go into red-hot form now playing for his nation. The added responsibility of the captain's armband and the weight of his nation on his shoulders. It will be huge if he does. If England plays with a high defensive line, then I can see him causing problems.
Which player will Chelsea sign off the back of an impressive World Cup?
Daniel Childs: I'm going to go with Edson Alvarez from Ajax. The Mexican midfielder might not go far with his nation, but his name was heavily linked with the Blues in the summer and could offer the profile Chelsea have lacked in that area for some time.
Jake Stokes: Jonathan David or Josko Gvardiol. Canada have a tough group with Belgium, Croatia and Morocco standing in their way, so if David can impress in front of goal, then it wouldn't be a surprise if Chelsea accelerated a move for the striker.
With regard to Gvardiol, the Blues have been long admirers of the defender. If he impresses, Chelsea might be left with no choice but to pay his release clause in January in order to avoid a bidding war.
Scott Clayton: Declan Rice. Not completely off the back of this tournament, but another solid display will surely make Chelsea owners take notice and secure a signing in what feels like a problem area for the club.
Which Chelsea player will be eliminated from the World Cup first?
Daniel Childs: I think it is between Hakim Ziyech of Morocco and Ethan Ampadu of Wales with two nations who have tricky groups.
Jake Stokes: Christian Pulisic (United States). Cesar Azpilicueta (Spain) and Silva (Brazil) are poised to enjoy the latter stages of the World Cup. Mason Mount (England), Conor Gallagher (England) and Mateo Kovacic (Croatia) could do well, just not as well as Azpilicueta and Silva.
Edouard Mendy (Senegal) and Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) look set to make it out of the group, though hosts Qatar could surprise people. Pulisic (United States) faces tough competition from England and Wales, so an early exit could be on the cards.
Scott Clayton: Ziyech or Zakaria.
I fully expect Belgium to top Group F, meaning it's a roll of the dice for the other two, if not both. I expect one at least to get an early ticket home.
Which Chelsea player(s) will win the World Cup?
Daniel Childs: To cap off a legendary career, I would be very happy to see Thiago Silva lift the World Cup with Brazil. He has already proved to be an amazing signing for Chelsea, becoming an extremely popular figure amongst supporters at Stamford Bridge.
Jake Stokes: Silva. Azpilicueta stands a chance with Spain, but Brazil are widely considered the favourite.
Scott Clayton: Hard to bet against Brazil and Thiago Silva, but I'm going to go for loanee Romelu Lukaku. They have a strong squad with a few World Class players. They have the quality to go all the way.
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