Chelsea will face off against Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday evening as they look to secure all three points in their first UEFA Champions League group-stage match of this campaign. The Blues managed to earn an impressive 2-1 win over West Ham United in the London derby last Saturday, so their confidence would be high ahead of this European contest.
Thomas Tuchel will probably opt for a 3-4-2-1 formation and is expected to make some changes to his first XI for this game. Kai Havertz is expected to play from the start alongside Raheem Sterling up top in this game following his goal-scoring display last Saturday.
3-4-2-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Dinamo Zagreb
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga will feature in between the sticks for the Blues as Tuchel looks to drop Edouard Mendy to the bench for this game. Chelsea could set up with a back three of Kalidou Koulibaly, Thiago Silva and Wesley Fofana as they try to keep things solid at the back in this European clash away from home.
Trevoh Chalobah will have to settle for a spot on the bench as he offers cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho will anchor the midfield for the West London club as they focus on dominating the game at the centre of the park and create enough chances for their teammates to win this game.
Ben Chilwell will fill in as a left wing-back while Reece James looks to give a good account of himself from the right. Both of them will have to make some overlapping runs out on the flanks.
Kai Havertz and Mason Mount will get the freedom to express themselves in the opponent’s half while they operate as the free-flowing, attacking midfielders. Their main job would be to engineer enough opportunities for the Blues to emerge victorious in this game.
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech will be available for selection on the bench as they wait for their chance to impress in the second 45 minutes if required.
Attack
Raheem Sterling will lead the line for the West London club in the final third. He will have to carry most of the goal-scoring burden for his team up top.
Armando Broja will have to be content with a spot on the bench but might come on to make an impact in the latter stages if Chelsea are in need of a goal by then.
