Real Madrid visit Stamford Bridge to avenge their last season’s semi-final loss at the hands of Chelsea later today.
Los Blancos are sitting pretty at the top of the La Liga table and will be fully focused on reaching the latter stages of the prestigious club competition.
Meanwhile, the Blues had a hiccup domestically last weekend, losing 1-4 to Brentford, but will be confident ahead of a home tie against the Spanish giants.
Their former superstar, Eden Hazard, will not be making an appearance though, having undergone a fibular plate operation.
Ben Chilwell is a long-term absentee while Callum Hudson-Odoi has a back issue. Other than that, Thomas Tuchel has a fully fit squad to choose from.
DEFENCE
Edouard Mendy will be stationed in goal. He, along with the defence, had a torrid time at the weekend, but the Senegalese will have to be at the top of his game against the likes of Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema.
The three-man backline in the Chelsea lineup is expected to comprise of Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger. There are dollops of experience among the three and Tuchel will back them to shut up shop on the night.
MIDFIELD
Reece James should start as the right wing-back in the Chelsea lineup. His physicality will come in handy and his forward forays will be used to pin back the Real Madrid wingers.
Marcos Alonso will be tasked with something similar on the opposite flank. He might not have the same defensive nous as the other Chelsea defenders but his awareness in the final third could help the Blues who have not been as threatening in attack recently.
The central midfield duo in the Chelsea lineup is likely to be of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. Both of them are excellent on the ball and will be tasked with retaining control and circulating possession.
ATTACK
Thomas Tuchel has a number of options to choose from for his attacking trio.
Christian Pulisic is well rested and is likely to operate on the left flank in the Chelsea lineup. Kai Havertz is expected to retain his place despite the 1-4 humbling, with the scoreline barely a reflection of his performance on the day.
The right flank will see a toss-up between Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech. We could see the latter get the nod on today.
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