Chelsea notched up a comfortable 3-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 matchup against the Ukranian side. The wingers Willian, Pedro and Callum-Hudson Odoi ran riot at Stamford Bridge and scored one goal apiece to almost ensure a clear passage for their side into the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.
The Blues will look to keep their dominant run in the competition going as they have now won back to back matches against Malmo and Dynamo Kyiv by three goals. However, it would not be an easy outing for them against the Ukranian side in their own backyard and Maurizio Sarri would be happy to see his side keep the hard-earned lead intact and enter the next round with ease.
Team News
It comes as a huge boost for the Chelsea manager that he can rotate his options around for the second leg of the match against Kyiv as he has a fully fit squad at his disposal. With a 3:0 lead already taken, the gaffer might look to rest the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Eden Hazard as their presence will be crucial for the top 4 race.
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga kept a clean sheet against Kyiv in the last match and it is expected that he will be rested for the next match. Willy Caballero would start in the goal for the Blues.
Defence
The duo of David Luiz and Andreas Christensen did a decent job in the first leg of the matchup and Sarri would continue with the two starting in the heart of the backline once again. Davide Zappacosta might keep his place in the side as the right back while Emerson could put in a shift on the left-hand side of the defence.
Midfield
Ethan Ampadu might be the one to start as the defensive midfielder as Jorginho gets a well-deserved rest. Ross Barkley and N’Golo Kante would start ahead of him in the central midfield role. Ruben Loftus-Cheek would start on the bench.
Attack
Willian and Pedro are expected to keep their place in the side for the next match after their diligent displays in the wide attacker roles. Callum Hudson-Odoi would once again start on the bench.
Both Eden Hazard and Gonzalo Higuain are set to be rested for the match while Olivier Giroud would have to take the onus of leading the line against Kyiv.
Predicted Formation: 4-3-3
