Predicted Chelsea XI to face Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League
Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw at home against Wolves in the Premier League, with Eden Hazard saving the blushes for the Blues with an injury-time equalizer.
Maurizio Sarri’s men absolutely destroyed their Ukrainian opposition Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie and the Blues will once again be the outright favourites to claim a victory when they make the trip to Kyiv for the reverse fixture on Thursday.
Having scored thrice in the first leg, the Blues will be looking to stamp their authority once again, albeit Kyiv will be expected to put up a better fight at home.
Team News
With progress to the last 8 virtually guaranteed, Maurizio Sarri will be expected to rotate his squad for the reverse fixture on Thursday night. Chelsea have no injury issues as such heading into the Europa League tie.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager:- Maurizio Sarri
Predicted XI
1. Willy Caballero (GK)
The Argentine shot-stopper has done reasonably well whenever he has been called into action and he should start between the sticks on Thursday.
2. Davide Zappacosta (RB)
The Italian hasn’t had much game time in the Premier League but Sarri should hand him a start ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta for this one.
3. Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Dane might be handed a start for this one to give Antonio Rudiger a break.
4. Gary Cahill (CB)
The veteran has been frozen out of the first-team by Sarri but he should get a chance to play on Thursday.
5. Marcos Alonso (LB)
The Spaniard has failed to hit top gear this season and the game against Kyiv should be a good opportunity for him to impress the manager.
6. Jorginho (CDM)
The former Napoli man has done reasonably well in recent games following a string of lacklustre displays and he should retain his place in the eleven.
7. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (RCM)
The talented youngster has been on the fringes of the first-team once again and Sarri should hand him a start for this one.
8. Ross Barkley (LCM)
The Englishman has been used as an understudy to Kovacic but he has shown a lot of promise this season and should get his opportunity to impress on Thursday.
9. Callum Hudson-Odoi (RW)
The teenager has made a habit of scoring goals as a substitute and he definitely deserves a start in the virtual dead-rubber.
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10. Willian (LW)
The Brazilian didn’t start against Wolves on Sunday so Sarri might just hand him a start to rest Eden Hazard.
11. Olivier Giroud (ST)
The Frenchman might have lost his place to Higuain but he is likely to spearhead the attack on Thursday.
