James And Mudryk To Start, Felix On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Dortmund
Chelsea should be capable of turning around a one-goal deficit at Stamford Bridge but the lack of goals since Christmas has been one of the main problems for Graham Potter’s side.
The Blues have hit the back of the net just seven times in 12 matches, which really is a poor record, but they will be facing a Borussia Dortmund team who are not known for keeping clean sheets.
Potter’s men were extremely wasteful in front of goal in the first leg and, if they get the same number of chances this evening, you would hope they can put one or two away.
Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup to take on Dortmund.
GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga
The 28-year-old didn’t have much to do against Leeds at the weekend, which is probably a good thing after his less-than-stellar display versus Tottenham.
Considering Dortmund’s attacking mentality, though, they are unlikely to sit on their aggregate lead, so Kepa is likely to be called into action.
With Edouard Mendy closing in on a return to match fitness, the Spaniard will know he could be back on the bench if he doesn’t put in a string of good displays.
RWB – Reece James
The defender picked up a thigh injury prior to the Leeds match, but he was pictured back in training on Monday suggesting he should be fit to face Dortmund.
With captain Cesar Azpilicueta still sidelined with concussion, Ruben Loftus-Cheek did a pretty decent job deputising as a wingback at the weekend.
However, he will almost certainly make way for James tonight, who thrives when asked to play further up the pitch.
CB – Wesley Fofana
The Frenchman was the Blues’ best player versus Leeds and he deservedly got the winning goal.
Fofana has had a very frustrating first season at Stamford Bridge due to injury but he will be looking to put that all behind him.
The 22-year-old is also used to playing in a back three, with Leicester having deployed the system regularly last season, and he is making the right-sided centre-back position his own.
CB – Kalidou Koulibaly
With Thiago Silva sidelined, the Senegalese international has to take on greater responsibility as the senior centre-half.
Koulibaly freely admits that he has struggled to adapt to the Premier League but playing in a middle of a back three does help to hide his weaknesses.
Against Leeds, he made a couple of telling contributions and he will be looking for a similarly assured display this evening.
CB – Benoit Badiashile
The Frenchman is up there with the best buys that the Blues have made this season and, considering the number of players which the club have brought in, that is saying something.
Badiashile is the epitome of a modern-day centre-back. He’s strong in possession, quick to intercept the ball and decent in the air.
Playing on the left side of a back three should suit the 21-year-old down to the ground, and the early signs were good versus Leeds.
LWB – Ben Chilwell
The defender had a very good game at the weekend, with his delivery into the box from both open play and set pieces a standout feature.
Chilwell’s cross from a corner led to Fofana’s winner against Leeds and, hopefully, he can replicate his threat in the final third versus Dortmund.
Like James, the 26-year-old does enjoy the freedom of playing as a wingback so the formation change is likely to benefit him too.
CM – Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian is likely to captain the team once again tonight after being handed the armband by Potter for the victory on Saturday.
Kovacic sat deeper than his midfield partner against Leeds, which meant his responsibilities were more focused on breaking up play rather than making things happen further up the pitch.
The 28-year-old’s experience and ability to hold onto the ball could prove important if they are to pen Dortmund back this evening.
CM – Enzo Fernandez
The Argentinian was outstanding in possession at the weekend, and he looked more comfortable playing slightly further forward.
However, there is a feeling that Fernandez is being slightly too safe at times. He didn’t create any chances but we have seen he is well capable of doing that, with his assist against West Ham a prime example.
It’s not easy when you are constantly playing with different midfield partners and it will be hoped he can build an understanding with Kovacic or with the returning N’Golo Kante.
RW – Raheem Sterling
The England international has looked a lot sharper since returning to full fitness and he is the forward most likely to open up the opposition defence.
Sterling’s end product has been missing but you do feel it is a matter of time before he gets on the scoresheet again.
It will be hoped that the 28-year-old can come up with something special to put Dortmund to the sword tonight.
ST – Kai Havertz
Potter continues to pick the German as a centre-forward so there is no reason to think that he will be dropped for the Dortmund clash.
However, Havertz’s confidence in front of goal has hit rock bottom, demonstrated by the way he failed to finish a one-on-one chance versus Leeds.
The forward has just one goal in seven Champions League appearances this season so don’t expect him to be on the scoresheet this evening.
LW – Mykhailo Mudryk
The fact that Joao Felix was taken off after 67 minutes at the weekend would suggest that the Portuguese international was being saved for the Dortmund game.
However, Felix’s lack of pace means he isn’t really suited to playing in a front three, and his inconsistent form means it’s difficult to rely on him.
He could have a better impact from the bench so there is a case for Mykhailo Mudryk to be given 50 to 60 minutes to see what he can do. The Ukrainian has three goals and two assists in seven Champions League matches this season so he could be worth a gamble.