Chelsea will take on Dynamo Kyiv in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie, and will be fairly confident of progressing into the next round.
The Blues picked up a comfortable 3-0 win against the Ukrainians at Stamford Bridge in the previous leg, and unless there’s a huge swing in performances, Maurizio’s Sarri should seal a place in the quarter-finals.
The Europa League provides a good opportunity for Chelsea to lift some silverware this season, as the Blues are no longer in the FA Cup and were beaten by Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
Sarri made a few changes to the starting lineup against Kyiv when the two sides faced off at home, and is expected to do so once again.
Gonzalo Higuain is unavailable following a fever, and we expect Olivier Giroud to continue up top.
Defence
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen might feature at the heart of the defence, with Marcos Alonso and Davide Zappacosta starting on the flanks. The two full-backs didn’t play last weekend, and will be keen to impress against the Ukrainians.
Willy Caballero should also get a chance in goal for the Blues.
Midfield
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has impressed in the Europa League this season, and has three goals and an assist in seven games. The fans will want him to keep his good run going and push for a starting berth in the Premier League.
Matteo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante should complete the midfield against Dynamo in the Chelsea lineup. Kante is likely to be played in his preferred holding midfield role, while Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek will be given the licence to maraud forward.
Attack
With a 3-0 lead already in the bag, it would be a massive surprise if Callum Hudson-Odoi doesn’t start this one.
Willian and Olivier Giroud should complete the attack. Willian looked good in the previous leg, and will get openings to impress considering Dynamo will chase the game and try to get the first goal on the night to reduce the deficit.
Giroud, on the other hand, will want to increase his goal tally for the season, and has been in good form in the Europa league, mustering six goals in eight games so far.
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