Chelsea will lock horns with Porto at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan on Wednesday night as the teams look set to resume their UEFA Champions League campaign. The Blues recorded a shameful 5-2 defeat to West Brom Albion last week, whereas the Dragons registered a 2-1 win over Santa Clara in the Primeira Liga.
Thomas Tuchel will probably opt for the 3-4-3 formation with a few tweaks from the last game. Mason Mount might get the nod over Christian Pulisic, whereas Antonio Rudiger looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Leeds United
Defence
Edouard Mendy will operate in between the sticks for the upcoming home encounter. The Senegalese shot-stopper will be hoping to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet on Wednesday.
Andreas Christensen, who was named on the bench against West Brom Albion, is expected to replace Thiago Silva at the heart of Blues’ backline, whereas Antonio Rudiger looks likely to come in for Kurt Zouma. Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta will fulfil the right centre-back position.
However, their prime objective will be to keep Sergio Oliveira quiet throughout the ninety minutes.
Midfield
Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic will fulfil the holding midfield positions, with the former occupying a more central role.
N’Golo Kante picked up a hamstring injury during the international break, and as a result, he is expected to be out of the upcoming clash.
“He is doing individual training and from then on you can do the maths. Tomorrow he will miss the game and can’t be in the squad. Then we arrive on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to prepare for the game, so that leaves us with only three days.”
“He has a little muscle injury, as was communicated from the national team. So my realistic approach is to think after Porto and to think about the second game against Porto.” – Tuchel revealed.
Ben Chilwell might replace Marcos Alonso at the left wing-back position, whereas Reece James will fill in on the other flank as the right wing-back.
Attack
Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi will slot into the attacking midfield roles. The English duo would be determined to set up some clear cut goal-scoring chances for the front-men.
Timo Werner will lead the line for the away side against Porto. The German striker has found himself struggling in front of the goal this season, so he’ll be determined to impress against Sérgio Conceição’s men.
Olivier Giroud might come on to make a cameo appearance in the second forty-five minutes.
