Defending champions Chelsea welcome Malmo at Stamford Bridge in their third Champions League group-stage game on Wednesday evening.
The Blues are currently second in their group having picked up three points from their opening two fixtures. They suffered a 1-0 loss to Juventus in Turin last time out thanks to a second-half strike from Federico Chiesa.
Thomas Tuchel, whose side will enter the contest off the back of a 1-0 west London derby victory over Brentford on Saturday, should be eager to beat the group’s basement side Malmo in midweek.
Chelsea Team News
Antonio Rudiger was ruled out of the Brentford game having picked up a back problem on international duty for Germany. He remains a big doubt, along with Christian Pulisic, who has been unavailable since picking up an ankle injury at the start of September during international duty.
Hakim Ziyech missed Saturday’s win over Brentford with illness and remains doubtful for Tuesday’s encounter against Malmo. But Thomas Tuchel would be boosted by the return of Thiago Silva after he returned on Saturday following international duty in South America.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Malmo (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy was a standout performer in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, producing a string of top saves. He’s a sure-shot starter in goal against Malmo.
Defence
Malang Sarr deputised well in Antonio Rudiger’s injury absence but could make way for the experienced Thiago Silva on Tuesday. Andreas Christensen is likely to keep his place at the heart of Chelsea’s three-man backline. Silva and Christensen could be joined by Cesar Azpilicueta, as the Blues look to keep a clean sheet.
Reece James came on as a substitute against Brentford after recovering from his injury. He is likely to be handed a start at right wing-back with the prolific Ben Chilwell of late getting the nod ahead of Marcos Alonso at left wing-back.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Malmo
Midfield
Tuchel could opt to freshen up his midfield options in what is a quick turnaround before Malmo’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
N’Golo Kante played the full game on Saturday after recovering from Covid-19, so he could be rested with Jorginho starting instead. Mateo Kovacic was subbed off in the second half against Brentford, perhaps to keep him fresh enough to start in the upcoming Champions League fixture.
Attack
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has done well whenever given chances this season, including the Brentford game, but he could make way for the creative Mason Mount, as Tuchel could tweak his system. Partnering Mount as an advanced 10 will be Timo Werner, whose pace and directness could give the Malmo defenders some headache.
Romelu Lukaku didn’t look at his best in the Premier League game over the weekend, going six matches without scoring. Yet, the big Belgian is expected to lead the Blues attack against the Swedish outfit.
