Chelsea will resume their Europa League campaign this Thursday when they take on BATE Borisov. The Blues managed a last-gasp draw against Manchester United this past weekend as they saved their unbeaten start to the season.
Maurizio Sarri’s side were under the cosh for large parts of the second half after a brilliant first half and needed a Ross Barkley tap-in to make it 2-2. It was a dramatic ending to the game but showed that the Londoners have quite a lot of mental strength this season.
The Europa League divides opinion. Though it presents the club with the chance of silverware, it’s a long and tough competition for any participating side. Chelsea have good resources, though, and if Sarri rotates his squad well, the West Londoners have a good chance of winning the trophy for a second time in their history.
Chelsea Team News
Jorginho and Eden Hazard are expected to be rested as the two has played quite a lot of games. Hazard also has a back issue, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be risked with the players Chelsea have as backups.
Predicted Chelsea lineup
Defence
Sarri doesn’t like to rotate his starting XI too much, but circumstances and the demand of the Premier League might make his change his mind. Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill might come in for the duo of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger.
Emerson and Zappacosta too could get starts in a completely changed backline. Kepa, however, could keep his place in goal.
Midfield
Cesc Fabregas is the ideal replacement for the immaculate Jorginho in midfield. The Spaniard is an equally good, if not better, distributor of the ball and he will be supported by the duo of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Loftus-Cheek made quite a few waves last season with Crystal Palace but hasn’t been able to get too many minutes in the league this season, so this will be his chance to impress the boss.
Attack
Willian and Pedro should start on the wide areas while Giroud might lead the line. Morata was surprisingly preferred over the Frenchman against Manchester United but Giroud many believe that Giroud is still the preferred choice because of his ability to bring the wingers into play.
Pedro was injured for a few weeks, and these games are ideal for him to get back into the group. Lest we forget, he started the season really well.
Willian – Giroud – Pedro
Barkley – Fabregas – Loftus-Cheek
Emerson – Christensen – Cahill – Zappacosta
Kepa