Predicted Chelsea XI to face BATE Borisov in the Europa League
Chelsea rescued a point and maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League against Manchester United courtesy of Ross Barkley’s 96th-minute equaliser.
Maurizio Sarri’s men sit top of their group in the Europa League with a pair of 1-0 wins over PAOK and Vidi and the Blues will once again be the outright favourites when they face Belarusian outfit BATE Borisov at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri has struck a fine balance between giving his fringe players some valuable game time and fielding a strong line-up in the Europa League.
And we can expect him to rotate his squad for Thursday’s clash against BATE as he will need to keep his key players fresh for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Burnley away from home.
Team News
Maurizio Sarri is unlikely to risk Eden Hazard who has been suffering from a back injury while teenager Ethan Ampadu is ruled out due to a knee injury that he picked up playing for Wales during the international break.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also doubtful to feature in the matchday squad due to a minor injury.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Predicted XI
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
He has been in great form and has established himself as a reliable presence between the sticks. Sarri should hand him a start to keep him warmed up for Sunday’s game.
David Zappacosta (RB)
The Italian did well in the last game of the Europa League and Sarri should give Cesar Azpilcueta some rest.
Gary Cahill (CB)
The veteran hasn’t started a game in the Premier League this term and it would be a good idea to keep him warmed up with some regular minutes.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
Sarri should test out the Danish international in the Europa League and give David Luiz a break to keep him fresh for the Premier League tie on Sunday.
Emerson Palmieri (LB)
He hasn’t been strong enough at the back but has added more value to the team in terms of attack. Sarri should hand him a start to allow him to work on his flaws.
Ross Barkley (LCM)
The English international will be in high spirits after scoring that equaliser against United and Sarri should allow him to build on that confidence.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (RCM)
The youngster hasn’t had much playtime to prove his mettle but this will be an ideal opportunity for him to catch the eye.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
Jorginho’s arrival has pushed him down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge but he is still one of the best creative midfielders in Europe.
Victor Moses (RW)
The Nigerian international hasn’t started a game in the Premier League so far and Sarri should give him some valuable play time.
Pedro (LW)
The Spaniard showed good form in the earlier stages of the season and this will be a good opportunity for him to find his feet following the injury.
Read More:- Chelsea must break the bank and shell out £350,000-a-week to make this star the highest-paid in the Premier League
Olivier Giroud (ST)
Alvaro Morata once again proved himself to be a glaring liability against United and Sarri should hand the Frenchman a start.
