Chelsea travel to Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday to face Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The Blues will come into the match on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers, so they will have to be at their best in order to take the lead against Los Blancos.
Frank Lampard might opt for a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to name a strong first XI for this contest. The interim manager could allow Kai Havertz to lead the line while Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix operate from the wide areas in the attacking third.
4-3-3 Chelsea Predicted XI Vs Real Madrid
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga will feature in between the sticks for the Blues after conceding a goal in his last league appearance. Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana could form a centre-half partnership for this game as they try to keep the Madrid attackers at bay throughout the game.
Ben Chilwell could look to impress from the left-back position, while Reece James gives a good account of himself from the right.
Trevoh Chalobah will be available for selection on the bench as he provides cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandez will function in the middle of the park as they focus on dominating possession and orchestrating some decent chances in the final third.
Christian Pulisic and Conor Gallagher will be named on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if required.
Attack
Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling will operate as the left and right wingers as they try to cause some problems for the opposition defenders from the wide areas.
Kai Havertz will lead the line for the West London club on the attacking third of the pitch. The German striker failed to score a goal in his last league appearance, so this game could be an ideal opportunity for him to get back into form.
Mykhailo Mudryk will have to be content with a place on the bench as he awaits his chance to make an impact in the latter stages if needed.
