Mauricio Pochettino is going to have to think again when it comes to his team selection for the rest of the Chelsea games this month.

During the week against Middlesbrough he operated a false nine system, however didn’t get the result he was looking for in the semi-final first leg.

He looked to use Cole Palmer in a striker role, however he was out of the game for too long to make it a system to pursue.

Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

He featured the England international here so he could feature all three of his preferred midfielders. Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher were all handed the start for the big game.

The latter endured a rough game technically, with him missing a big chance in the second half too.

Gallagher has been arguably the most important player to Pochettino since he took over the squad, however it could now be time for him to look to construct a side without him.

Pochettino must drop Gallagher

Palmer has starred particularly when he is allowed freedom to roam in attack, and this could be a possibility if he features in front of a midfield two with a number of attackers to hit in front of him.

A natural striker will be essential to be a starter on Saturday, and that leaves Armando Broja as a likely starter up front.

There have been plenty of reports that those higher up at Stamford Bridge are open to the sale of Gallagher if the right offer comes in.

This could see some want the side to go in the direction of working without the England international being so important to the side.

Pochettino will be beginning to feel his job being under pressure, after supporters have begun to let players what they think of their performances of late.

With just one game before the big second leg against Middlesbrough, he needs to get his team selection spot on to prepare in the best possible way.