Chelsea resume their UEFA Champions League campaign on Tuesday as they take on LOSC Lille in the first leg of Round of 16. Despite being the reigning French champions, Lille are among the weakest teams remaining in the UCL at the moment, and it would appear nothing less than a shock if they manage to hold the defending champions at Stamford Bridge this midweek.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs LOSC Lille
Defence
Thomas Tuchel is set to remain without the services of two of his premier fullbacks in the form of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Experienced defender Cesar Azpilicueta is a minor doubt as well after backing out from the Crystal Palace game.
As far as the starting eleven is concerned, Tuchel is likely to persist with the central defensive combination of Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva. But there could be a change at left-back, with Malang Sarr likely to make way for Marcos Alonso, who can offer more thrust going forward.
Andreas Christensen, meanwhile, should continue to deputise for Azpilicueta at right-back. It will be interesting to see how the Dane deal with the threat of the Lille attack that packs quite a punch on the counter.
There is no looking past Edouard Mendy in goal, with the Senegalese international hoping to resume his Champions League campaign on a positive note.
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Midfield
Tuchel may have some decisions to make ahead of the Lille game in midweek. In order to find more solidity in midfield, the German tactician could opt for a 4-3-3 setup that would incorporate three central midfielders.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante remain favourites to occupy two of the three slots. But instead of Christian Pulisic occupying the number ten role, in the absence of Mason Mount, we could witness Mateo Kovacic dropping in deeper to operate as a supporting number eight for Jorginho and Kante.
Attack
As for the attack, Romelu Lukaku is almost guaranteed to spearhead the Chelsea frontline, hoping to make a mark in the Champions League after a mixed and rather controversial start to his Premier League return.
Lukaku should be partnered by the in-form Hakim Ziyech on the right flank, whereas Kai Havertz could occupy the opposite flank. Tuchel has no shortage of alternatives, though, including Timo Werner and Saul Niguez, both of whom have considerable experience at the highest level of football.
