Chelsea will look to continue their march in the UEFA Europa League when they face Slavia Prague at Sinobo Stadium later tonight.
The Blues are coming on the back of a healthy win over West Ham United in their last game and will be full of confidence as they look to stretch their winning streak to four games in all competition.
Chelsea team news
Ethan Ampadu is the only injury-related absentee for Maurizio Sarri going into this game. The Blues were earlier boosted by the return of Marcos Alonso.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Slavia Prague
Defence
Sarri is expected to make a host of changes to the side that secured a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham United.
As mentioned earlier, Marcos Alonso has returned to full fitness and should start ahead of Emerson in the left-back position while Davide Zappacosta is likely to get the nod ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta, who could be rested.
David Luiz has been the mainstay of the Chelsea backline this season but the Brazilian international could make way for the young Andreas Christensen in central defence. The Dane, who has struggled to make an impression under Sarri, will be presented with an excellent opportunity to prove himself.
He will be partnered by the ever-present figure of Antonio Rudiger at the heart of Chelsea’s four-man backline. While Christensen will look to help out his side in the build-up play, Rudiger’s doggedness in defence could be crucial in dealing with the threat of Milan Skoda and Co.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, on the other hand, is a guaranteed starter in between the sticks for the Blues tonight.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante is more than expected to get a rest in this one, with Sarri having one eye on the important weekend clash with Liverpool. This could pave the way for Mateo Kovacic to start in central midfield alongside Ross Barkley, who was influential in the win over West Ham at the weekend.
Jorginho, meanwhile, is likely to retain his place in the holding midfield role and the Italian will play a key role as Chelsea look to dominate proceedings in midfield.
Attack
The services of Eden Hazard is unlikely to be utilized by coach Sarri tonight, meaning we could expect Pedro to be deployed on the right-flank while Willian will come into the side, replacing Callum Hudson-Odoi. The Brazilian will operate on the opposite flank.
And finally, Olivier Giroud could spearhead the Chelsea attack, with Gonzalo Higuain likely to be relegated to the bench.
