Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt Predictions: Chelsea Line-up
Chelsea travel to Germany on Thursday, as the Blues lock horns with Eintracht Frankfurt at the Commerzbank-Arena in the first leg of Europa League semi-finals.
The Blues drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League at the weekend which has kept them firmly in the race for a top-four finish.
But Maurizio Sarri might feel the best chance of playing Champions League football next season is by winning the Europa League.
Team News
Both Willian and Antonio Rudiger sustained injuries against Manchester United at the weekend but the former is expected to recover in time to face Frankfurt.
Probable Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa (GK)
Kepa is Chelsea’s first-choice in goal under Sarri and he should keep his place in the team.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The Spaniard will have to be at the top of his game to keep the Frankfurt attackers at bay.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
With Rudiger set to miss the first-leg with an injury, Christensen is expected to start in central defence on Thursday.
David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian is one of the first-choice centre-backs in the team and should start against Frankfurt.
Emerson (LB)
With Alonso having played the full 90 minutes at Old Trafford, Emerson could start at left-back on Thursday. The Brazilian has been doing well in the past few weeks.
Jorginho (CDM)
The Italian international is the main man in Chelsea’s engine room. He is one of the first names on the team-sheet under Sarri.
N’Golo Kante (RCM)
The Frenchman is a crucial cog in Sarri’s team and should retain his place in the starting XI.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (LCM)
Loftus-Cheek made a substitute appearance against United but with both Barkley and Kovacic underperforming, he could be handed a start in Germany.
Pedro (RW)
Willian’s availability remains in doubt, so Sarri would not take any risk and go with Pedro at right wing.
Eden Hazard (LW)
Inarguably Chelsea’s biggest asset in the attack, Hazard will be aiming to give the Frankfurt defenders a torrid time. He is an undoubted starter on Thursday.
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Olivier Giroud (ST)
Giroud has been Chelsea’s star in the Europa League with 10 goals in 11 games. He is expected to lead the Blues attack.
