Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Atletico Madrid: We Take A Look At Tuchel’s Options

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, olivier giroud

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had his first minor setback since his arrival at the club as the Blues were held by Southampton at the weekend.

It wasn’t a bad performance by any stretch of the imagination but he will want his side to be more creative and clinical in front of goal when they face La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid this evening.

Diego Simeone’s side are usually a very tough nut to crack but they did show some defensive frailties on Saturday when they lost 2-0 at home to Levante so Chelsea may be playing them at the right time.

Press the next page as we predict Tuchel’s starting eleven for tonight’s match.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 28-year-old didn’t have a lot to do against Southampton except pick the ball out of the net for Takumi Minamino’s goal.

Mendy is expected to be named ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga for tonight’s clash in Romania, and he will be looking to keep a clean sheet.

RWB- Reece James

Tuchel has spoken favourably about Callum Hudson-Odoi, despite taking the 20-year-old off against the Saints so there is a chance that he could start in the right wingback role tonight.

However, James didn’t do an awful lot wrong at St Mary’s and his defensive qualities should give him the nod for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spaniard seems to play every game for Tuchel so he is a guaranteed starter when the Blues face Atletico Madrid this evening.

The right-sided centre-back role seems to be the perfect fit for Azpilicueta, considering his age and defensive attributes.

CB – Andreas Christensen

Although Tuchel praised Kurt Zouma in his pre-match press conference yesterday, the Frenchman was at fault for Southampton’s goal at the weekend after failing to track Minamino’s run.

With Thiago Silva still out injured, it could mean that Andreas Christensen comes back into the side to replace Zouma. The Danish international has looked pretty solid playing in the middle of a back three.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

Like Azpilicueta, the German international has been ever-present in the starting lineup since Tuchel’s arrival at Stamford Bridge and he is expected to play tonight.

Rudiger remains a divisive figure among the fanbase but the manager is clearly a fan and he looks set for a long run in the first team.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

To keep things tight at the back, you would have thought that this match would favour Ben Chilwell but Alonso appears to be first choice currently so another start against Atletico is likely.

Whether he deserves it, based on his display versus Southampton, it is debatable. The Spaniard offered very little going forward on Saturday and was poor in possession.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian had his least impactful game since Tuchel was appointed against the Saints and he was replaced by Jorginho with 15 minutes to go.

Despite the poor performance, it would be a surprise if Kovacic is left out of the starting lineup against Atletico.

CM – Jorginho

It may be harsh, considering N’Golo Kante was one of Chelsea’s best players versus Southampton, but Tuchel has generally favoured the Italian in most of his selections so far.

With it being such a big game, you would think that Jorginho will be recalled after being benched at the weekend.

AM – Mason Mount

The England international is now showing his new manager what he can do. He was involved in almost every attacking move when he was switched to the false nine role in the second half, and he was instrumental in getting his team back level.

Kai Havertz is back in the squad for tonight’s game and, after spending so long on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, the German is only likely to make the bench, with Mount expected to keep his place.

CF – Olivier Giroud

With Tuchel having confirmed that both Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham were substituted at St Mary’s as he wasn’t happy with their performances, it may suggest that Giroud will be recalled.

However, the France international has been in and out the side since Tuchel’s appointment so we shall see if he is selected this evening.

CF – Timo Werner

After getting his goal against Newcastle, it was hoped that the German international would kick on but he put in a pretty anonymous display on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see whether Werner can up his performance on the European stage tonight and come up with a vital goal.