Silva, Kante And James Start, Hudson Odoi On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Porto

David Tully

3 years ago

Tags: Chelsea, N'Golo Kante, Reece James, Thiago Silva

After a comfortable win against Crystal Palace at the weekend, Chelsea should be going into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Porto tonight confident of progressing.

To be honest, with two away goals, it would be a huge shock if Thomas Tuchel’s side don’t see the game out, but they will need to avoid complacency.

There is no need to go gung-ho with a commanding first-leg lead, although Tuchel will certainly still pick a team to go out and win the game.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup this evening.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The Senegalese international had no chance with Christian Benteke’s goal on Saturday and, other than that attempt, he had very little to do.

Mendy was excellent in the first leg and he will be keen to keep another clean sheet when he faces Porto once again tonight.

RWB – Reece James

Callum Hudson-Odoi caused a lot of problems for Palace at the weekend but this is likely to be one area where Tuchel rotates his starting eleven.

James is more defensive but can also provide a threat going forward. When the Blues don’t need to press for goals, the right-back is the more sensible option.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Coped superbly well with Wilfried Zaha on Saturday, the Spaniard used all of his experience to mark the tricky Ivorian out of the game.

Azpilicueta is clearly a trusted lieutenant for Tuchel and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he plays every game between now and the end of the season, barring injuries.

CB – Thiago Silva

The Brazilian did not play at the weekend due to suspension so his return this evening would make sense, considering he will be fresh for the game.

Kurt Zouma performed well by getting on the scoresheet against Palace but Tuchel knows what Silva brings in terms of defensive nous and leadership.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

It’s no coincidence that Tuchel recalled the German after the debacle against West Brom, and in the two subsequent fixtures, things have improved defensively.

Whether Rudiger is the long-term solution, it remains to be seen, but he will be playing pretty much all of the matches between now and the end of the season.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

Alonso’s horror show versus the Baggies means Tuchel will think twice before putting the Spaniard back into the starting lineup.

Chilwell is a good alternative for games like this where he is needed to provide protection at the back, although his attacking still leaves a lot to be desired.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman has not really had a look-in since the international break. This may be the time to reintroduce him to the side so he can build up his fitness.

Kovacic would be the likeliest the make way for Kante, with the Croatian having started three matches in the last week.

CM – Jorginho

The Italian was excellent against Palace; the polar opposite to the wretched display he put in versus West Brom just a week earlier.

Jorginho was taken off on the hour mark at Selhurst Park by Tuchel, strongly suggesting he will be in the starting lineup this evening.

RW – Mason Mount

Not much more needs to be said about the 22-year-old. You pretty much get an 8/10 performance from him every few days no matter what competition he plays in.

Tuchel could rest Mount against Porto but, that is unlikely, considering how instrumental he is for Chelsea going forward.

CF – Kai Havertz

The German looks more at home in the false-nine role and, while we are not currently seeing consistent performances from the forward, he deserves a run in the side after his display against Palace.

Havertz scored one and probably should have had two more at Selhurst Park. It’s good to see him going in the right direction and the potential is clearly there.

LW – Christian Pulisic

With his hamstrings, you don’t know whether the American’s body can cope with two games in the space of four days but his form merits another start.

Pulisic clearly wants to show Tuchel what he is all about and the German may give him another opportunity to impress at Stamford Bridge tonight.