Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face PAOK in the Europa League
Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end with a humiliating 3-1 loss against Spurs at the Wembley on Saturday.
The Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways when they play host to PAOK for their Matchday 5 clash of the Europa League on Thursday.
Maurizio Sarri’s men are currently top of their group in the Europa League, having won all four games so far.
Chelsea won the reverse fixture in Greece 1-0 and they will be strong favourites to make it five out of five in the Europa League.
Team News
Eden Hazard suffered a minor injury to his ankle in the 3-1 defeat against Spurs on Sunday and is doubtful to feature in the Europa League while Ethan Ampadu continues to be on the sidelines to nurse a knock that he had picked up during the previous international break.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Predicted XI
1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
He wasn’t at the top of his game against Spurs, allowing Harry Kane to score from range with his poor judgement and Chelsea will need him to put in an improved display on Thursday.
2. Davide Zappacosta (RB)
The Italian hasn’t got a look in for the Premier League games but has always been a starter in the Europa League.
3. Andreas Christensen (CB)
Antonio Rudiger is likely to be rested for Sunday’s game against Fulham, which should open the door for the Danish international to get a start.
4. Gary Cahill (CB)
He has been a regular name on the teamsheet for the Europa League games and Sarri should hand him another start in the heart of the defence.
5. Emerson Palmieri (LB)
He has largely been used as an understudy to Marcos Alonso but is likely to start on Thursday.
6. Cesc Fabregas (CM)
The Spaniard has found regular minutes hard to come by this season but has been a prominent figure for the Europa League games.
7. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (RAM)
He scored a hat-trick in the game against BATE Borisov and Sarri should give him another start in midfield.
8. Ross Barkley (LAM)
The English international has been in good form this season, getting on the scoresheet a few times and is likely to start on Thursday.
9. Victor Moses (RW)
The Nigerian has fallen out of favour under Sarri but he should be amongst the starters for this one.
10. Pedro (LW)
Willian hasn’t been at the top of his game this season, which should prompt Sarri to give the Spaniard a start.
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11. Olivier Giroud (ST)
Alvaro Morata once again had a horrible outing against Spurs and the Frenchman should replace him as the spearhead of the attack.
