Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking to pick up their first three points of the new Champions League campaign when they travel to Krasnodar this Tuesday. The Blues’ first European game of the season ended in a goalless draw after they seemed to completely counter the threat posed by Sevilla. The La Liga side set out to try and frustrate Chelsea, and Frank Lampard’s men seemingly followed suit, in what was a rather drab watch for the neutral viewers.
Chelsea’s next fixture, surprisingly, also ended in a goalless draw, as they earned a point from their visit to Old Trafford this Sunday. Although Lampard did field a rather defensive lineup, few would’ve predicted that there would be no goals scored at Old Trafford, especially considering the sheer number of strikes that United have shipped since the start of the season. Having gone without victory in their last three fixtures across all competitions, Chelsea will be eager to get back to winning ways on Tuesday evening.
Team News
Chelsea have a full-strength squad to choose from for this European fixture, with Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga the only player who could miss out due to a slight knock. Considering the form that the Blues’ summer signing Edouard Mendy has been displaying, the fans have no reason to be worried. Elsewhere, the likes of Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech should all be available for selection as well.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Lineup Vs Krasnodar:
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Lineup Vs Krasnodar
Defence
With Kepa Arrizabalaga likely to be unavailable due to injury, Edouard Mendy is probably going to keep his place in the side. Not only has the former Rennes man made the number one role his own, but his form over the last couple of fixtures have been impressive too. In front of him, expect to see Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma starting at the centre-half pairing. Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to drop back down to the bench, with Reece James and Ben Chilwell operating in the full-back slots.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante has played in a number of fixture since the start of the season, and this relatively easier matchup could present Lampard an opportunity to rest the World Cup winner. Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic could come into the eleven in his place, with Jorginho likely to retain his spot alongside him. The duo will be responsible for starting most of the Blues’ attacks, in addition to offering defensive support when required to as well.
Attack
The attack line is where Lampard is expected to ring in the changes for this clash, with the likes of Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz all expected to drop down to the bench. Callum Hudson-Odoi could be handed a Champions League start down the left flank, with Hakim Ziyech getting his first professional start for the club on the right as well. Mason Mount is expected to return to the eleven in the number ten role, offering direct support to central striker Tammy Abraham.
