Chelsea kick off their 2019-20 Champions League campaign against Valencia at Stamford Bridge, following a brilliant 5-2 win against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.
Their Spanish opponents for Tuesday night have a new manager Albert Celades, who will take charge of his first Champions League game, after being hired by the club last week.
Chelsea Team News
The Blues have a few injury worries, with midfielder N’Golo Kante all but ruled out of the game, while Emerson is also unavailable.
Centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who returned to the side over the weekend, was brought off at half-time against Wolves as a precautionary measure, and he won’t make it to the Chelsea lineup either.
Let’s take a look at the possible Chelsea lineup against Valencia:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Valencia
Goalkeeper
Kepa will play in goal for Chelsea against Valencia in the opening round of the Champions League.
Defence
If Lampard continues with a three-man defence against Valencia, the trio of Fikayo Tomori, Andreas Christensen, and Kurt Zouma could continue at the heart of the defence. Rudiger is unfit to play.
At left wing-back, Marcos Alonso will most likely continue, in what is his perfect role. Captain César Azpilicueta will play on the right side as the right wing-back for the Blues.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante is still not fit which means that Mateo Kovacic – who had a brilliant game against Wolves – will start alongside Jorginho in midfield.
Experienced winger Willian could perhaps drop to the bench for the game against Valencia after having a poor outing against Wolves over the weekend. Christian Pulisic or Pedro could replace the Brazilian in the team; the former may get the nod and freedom to attack at will.
Chelsea youngster Mason Mount, who scored once again this past weekend against Wolves, taking his tally to three goals this season, will start for the Blues on the left side of attack.
Attack
Tammy Abraham has had a dream start to the Premier League and showcased once again why he should be Chelsea’s first-choice striker against Wolves, when he scored a hat-trick. There’s no way that Lampard will drop Abraham for the game against Valencia.
