Chelsea Line-up To Face Atletico Madrid In The Champions League
Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend has kept them alive in the title race but Antonio Conte has a different competition to worry about next. The Blues are back in action just days later, as they welcome Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the final game of the group stage of the Champions League.
Diego Simeone’s men need a victory to even keep their hopes of qualification alive and Chelsea need a victory to retain their top spot, making this a serious encounter. Conte is not expected to let any complacency set in and is expected to go with his strongest XI.
Team News
Defender David Luiz was absent from training ahead of this game and will be the only first-team star who Conte will miss for this game. Jeremie Boga, Charly Musonda and Kenedy remain the only injury absentees for the Blues.
Formation: 3-5-1-1
Manager: Antonio Conte
GK – Thibaut Courtois
After a comfortable outing at the weekend, Courtois is expected to put on a solid show against his former side from Spain.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
Arguably the best CB in England at the moment, Azpilicueta will have his work cut out against a decent Atletico Madrid attack in this game.
CB – Thomas Christensen
Up against the likes of Griezmann, Christensen will probably have his biggest test of the season so far.
Cesar Azpilicueta
CB – Antonio Rudiger
The German international needs to find consistency in his game and could be exploited by Simeone’s men who desperately need a victory.
RWB – Victor Moses
After making a match-winning comeback from injury at the weekend, Moses is expected to keep his place on the right wing.
CM – Tiemoue Bakayoko
Adding some mettle to the midfield should be Bakayoko, who needs to improve his performances on the European circuit.
CM – N’Golo Kante
Kante will be the source of possession for Chelsea as his industry is what that keeps their midfield strong, even against the best of the teams in Europe.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Adding creativity to the midfield should be Fabregas, as Conte should stick with a midfield pairing that seems to be working this season.
Marcos Alonso
LWB – Marcos Alonso
The Spaniard was rested for the game at the weekend but should be back in action, pushing Zappacosta back onto the bench for this game.
SS – Eden Hazard
The Belgian playmaker was the man of the match for his side against Newcastle and will hope to put on a similar show when they host Rojiblancos on Wednesday.
ST – Alvaro Morata
The Spaniard has faced Atleti on a number of occasions in the past and will hope to use his experience to help his side dominate the game.
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