Chelsea Prediction: Probable XI to face Bayern Munich
Chelsea welcome Bayern Munich to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the first leg of Champions League round of 16.
The Blues had gone four games without success in the Premier League before deservedly beating Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. Despite their defensive frailties and attacking woes, the London club remain fourth on the table, three points above fifth-placed Manchester United.
Against Bayern, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea will have a different test as they are up against an opposition who have been playing on a different level altogether.
Team News
Callum Hudson-Odoi is pushing for a recall to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury, but Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante are expected to stay sidelined.
Chelsea Prediction: Probable XI
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Willy Caballero (GK)
Willy Caballero should remain between the sticks for the fourth successive match, keeping Kepa on the bench.
Reece James (RWB)
James has been outstanding with his displays on the right flank. The youngster will start at right wing-back on Tuesday.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RCB)
Azpilicueta will lead the team from the back. His experience and know-how would be crucial for such a big Champions League game.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
Christensen put in a solid performance against Tottenham, which will give him some much-needed confidence heading into the Bayern game.
Antonio Rudiger (LCB)
Strong in the air and robust in the tackle, Rudiger will have to be at the top of his game to keep Lewandowski and co. at bay on Tuesday.
Marcos Alonso (LWB)
Alonso showed on Saturday against Spurs why he’s so effective when played at left wing-back. The Spaniard scored a goal to cap off a fine individual performance. He should keep his place in the team.
Jorginho (CM)
With Kante out injured, Jorginho will have to shoulder the extra defensive responsibility against the German giants. The Italian’s awareness and passing ability make him so crucial to Lampard’s style of play at Chelsea.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
Partnering Jorginho will be the industrious, tenacious and the energetic Kovacic, who will look to nullify Bayern’s engine room on Tuesday.
Mason Mount (LAM)
Mount had a top game against Tottenham and will be keen to build on that performance. He’ll be a key figure in opening up Bayern’s stubborn defence.
Willian (RAM)
Came on as a substitute against Tottenham but he is likely to start in the Champions League. Lampard will expect a big game from the Brazilian.
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Olivier Giroud (ST)
Having spent much of the season on the reserves bench, Giroud was back with a bang as he scored the opening goal against Tottenham. After a really good display on Saturday, the Frenchman is expected to lead Chelsea’s attack against Bayern.
