Eden Hazard
Chelsea will be looking to give new manager Maurizio Sarri his first ever professional trophy by overcoming London rivals Arsenal in the final of the Europa League later this week.
With the stage all set in Baku, the Blues must surpass the challenge posed by Unai Emery’s men in order to officially brand their season a success.
The Blues ended the Premier League season on a high by finishing in the 3rd place.
Having sealed Champions League football for next season already, the emphasis on this game has certainly decreased but with Eden Hazard set to saunter out in a Blues kit for the last time, the Chelsea squad will be looking to give the perfect farewell that he deserves.
The most gutting news coming out of the Chelsea camp was that N’Golo Kante could now be a doubt for the final against Arsenal.
The Frenchman picked up a knee injury in Chelsea training and is currently being assessed. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s knock earlier in the campaign has ended his season as well.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek picked up an unfortunate injury during Chelsea’s friendly fixture against the New England Revolution earlier this month and he has been ruled out of this tie.
Antonio Rudiger is another key player who is out of contention for selection in the crucial Europa League final tie.
The Spaniard has done well to justify has massive price tag this season and he was integral in their route to the final as well.
The Spaniard has the versatility to slot into centre-half as well but should start the tie against Arsenal is his usual right-back role.
The Danish international centre-half will be required to be at his best in the absence of the Blues’ German star Antonio Rudiger.
The Brazilian recently extended his contract and will be looking to prove to the Chelsea fans that he deserves to stay.
The Brazilian has been much more defensively assured than Marcos Alonso this season and that should give him the edge.
The Croatian international hasn’t shown the Chelsea fans his full potential yet and this huge tie could be the perfect stage for him.
Sarri’s midfield commander has been at the heart of everything positive that has come out of Stamford Bridge this season.
With Kante and Loftus-Cheek both doubtful for this tie, Sarri may be forced to deploy Barkley from the start.
The Brazilian offers a lot more energy and attacking enthusiasm than Pedro and can even be dangerous from long distances.
The Argentine talisman has a history of flourishing on the big occasions and this tie could be the perfect stage for him.
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In what could well be his last ever game in a Chelsea shirt, Hazard will be looking to finish his Blues career with a trophy win.