Chelsea travel to Spain to face Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday, and the Blues need a win or at least a point to take one step closer to qualification to the knockout phases of the competition.
Frank Lampard’s side, along with Valencia and Ajax, are level on points in Group H, with each of the three teams winning two and drawing one.
The London side will head into this game after a defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League. In the home fixture against Valencia, Chelsea fell to a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Team News
The two long-term Chelsea injuries – Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Antonio Rudiger, are set to miss out on the game against Valencia, while Ross Barkley is a doubt for the game as well.
Who could Lampard start for Wednesday night’s game? Let’s take a look at the Chelsea lineup for the game against Valencia:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Valencia
Goalkeeper
Chelsea’s No. 1 keeper Kepa, will start the game against Valencia for the Blues.
Defence
Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma have been the first-choice defenders at the back for Chelsea and they could once again start. Andreas Christensen is available, but it would be surprising to see him get a start ahead of Zouma or Tomori in the Chelsea lineup.
César Azpilicueta has been solid at right-back and the Chelsea captain should start once again for the Blues against Valencia.
Emerson had a torrid time against Manchester City, and he could perhaps be replaced by Reece James in the Chelsea lineup, with Azpilicueta moving to left-back.
Midfield
N’Golo Kanté scored Chelsea’s only goal against City and he should get a start for the Blues if he’s fit. Jorginho, who has been bright this season, should play alongside him, with Mason Mount returning to the Chelsea XI in place of Mateo Kovacic.
Mount did not start against City, but his energy and creativity will be needed against Valencia.
Attack
Christian Pulisic should start for Chelsea on the left for Chelsea, with Willian playing from the right.
Pedro is an option on the right if Lampard wants to freshen things up in attack. Tammy Abraham should continue as Chelsea’s main striker for Wednesday night’s game.
