Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt Predictions: Chelsea Line-up

Chelsea head into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Eintracht Frankfurt having already secured a place in next season’s Champions League.

However, Maurizio Sarri will be keen to win his first silverware as a manager with the Blues. His team walked away from the first leg with a 1-1 draw in Germany, with Pedro scoring a crucial away goal for the Londoners.

Yet, Chelsea must be wary of Frankfurt, who come into Thursday’s game off the back of a 6-1 mauling at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

Team News

N’Golo Kante sustained a hamstring problem in the 3-0 victory over Watford at the weekend and is expected to miss the game against Frankfurt. Antonio Rudiger has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury.

Probable Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa Arrizabalga (GK)

Kepa is Chelsea’s undisputed first-choice in goal and will start on Thursday as well.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

Azpilicueta’s form has fluctuated this season, yet, he has been one of the first names on the team-sheet.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

The Dane has done well off-late in the absence of Rudiger and will be confident to keep the Frankfurt attackers at bay.

David Luiz (CB)

Partnering Christensen at the heart of Chelsea’s defence will be Luiz, who has been a permanent fixture in the team under Sarri.

Emerson (LB)

Marcos Alonso completed the full game against Watford, so Emerson is likely to get a start at left-back against the German opponents.

Jorginho (CDM)

Jorginho has improved off late, which comes as a good signal for the fans. The Italian will start in his usual holding role on Thursday.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (LCM)

Among Chelsea’s best players in the first-leg, Loftus-Cheek has been a regular starter since the last month or so.

Mateo Kovacic (RCM)

With Kante injured, Kovacic could get the nod ahead of the Barkley to replace the Frenchman in the middle of the park.

Willian (RW)

Willian will be fresh to face Frankfurt at Stamford Bridge having been an unused substitute in the victory over Watford.

Eden Hazard (LW)

Chelsea’s best player this season, Hazard will look to give a torrid time for the Frankfurt defenders in the second leg.

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Olivier Giroud (ST)

Giroud has been Europa League’s top scorer this season. He is expected to lead Chelsea’s attack on Thursday.