Chelsea entertain Dynamo Kiev in Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 first leg. The Blues are currently in a run of two successive wins and manager Maurizio Sarri will be hoping for another strong showing against Kiev to enhance the team’s prospects of reaching the quarter-final phase of the competition.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Lineup:
Sarri has already confirmed that he will make multiple changes for the game and this could start from the back with Willy Caballero replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.
In the defence, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta is certain to feature at right-back and he could be accompanied by Marcos Alonso on the opposite end after he was rested against Fulham.
At the heart of the backline, David Luiz could return to the fold after a similar rest and he could partner Andreas Christensen, who has been more or less a constant for the Cup and European competitions.
In the midfield, Mateo Kovacic could be entrusted with the holding role with Jorginho being rested. Ahead of him, N’Golo Kante could be paired alongside Ross Barkley, who has netted in each of the past two European games.
In the attack, Callum Hudson-Odoi could start on the right wing with Willian on the left while Olivier Giroud should lead the line. The Frenchman has only started in the competition since Gonzalo Higuain made the switch to the club in January.
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