Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking to kick their Champions League season off in the right manner when they welcome Spanish heavyweights Sevilla to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The Blues’ last league match finished with a frustrating 3-3 scoreline, as they were unable to see off Southampton despite taking a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half. The Blues were in the ascendancy right from the opening whistle, but the usual defensive fragilities meant that the three points slipped away from their grasp.
With a European encounter upcoming in midweek, in what promises to be a much tougher affair than the one they had on the weekend, Frank Lampard’s side will surely be eager to put things right once again. Looking at the squads of the two teams in question, Chelsea have a clear advantage in terms of personnel, but it has already been established over the last few weeks that having world-class attackers doesn’t mean anything if the defence-line isn’t up to the mark.
Team News
Chelsea have been receiving positive news all over the place, but the one worrying injury that they currently have to deal with is that of Senegalese shot-stopper Edouard Mendy. The former Rennes man sustained an injury during his time with the national side, and this is what forced Kepa back into the side on the weekend. Elsewhere, Thiago Silva missed the game against the Saints due to fatigue and is likely to make his return to the eleven for this clash. Apart from that, the attack-line looks rather complete at this point.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Lineup Vs Sevilla:
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Lineup Vs Sevilla
Defence
With Edouard Mendy unavailable for selection, Lampard will have to choose between his other two goalkeeping options for this fixture. Considering the mistake that Kepa made on the weekend, it is likelier that Willy Caballero starts in between the sticks for this tie. In front of him, expect Thiago Silva to return to the eleven, alongside Kurt Zouma. Reece James could start as the full-back on the right flank, with Ben Chilwell continuing his excellent start to life as a Chelsea player over on the left.
Midfield
Jorginho was one of the Blues’ best players on the pitch in the draw against Southampton, and the likelihood of the Italian pass-master getting dropped from the eleven are rather bleak. His ability to control the tempo of fixtures, while also being capable of producing that killer pass, is something that Chelsea will look to utilise against a gritty Sevilla team. Alongside him, expect Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic to come in, in place of French ace N’Golo Kante.
Attack
Chelsea’s summer purchases were mostly aimed at strengthening the attack, and this could be the first time that their four best attacking options start a game together. Timo Werner is likely to lead the line operating in the number nine role, especially after the two goals he scored against the Saints. Kai Havertz, another one of the weekend goalscorers, is expected to start just in behind him. Christian Pulisic is set to keep his place on the left flank, with Moroccan trickster Hakim Ziyech starting over on the other side.
