The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Bayern Munich

Chelsea continue - and probably finish - their Champions League campaign on Saturday, when they face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The Blues are playing the second leg of their round of 16 tie, 165 days after succumbing to a 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge. After defeat in the FA Cup final last Saturday and needing at least three goals against Die Roten, Frank Lampard’s side have it all to do.

Recovering from the three-goal deficit is just one of Lampard’s concerns as they travel to Bavaria with a number of key absentees. Marcos Alonso and Jorginho are suspended, César Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic, Pedro and Billy Gilmour are injured, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kanté and Willian remain doubts.

Ahead of Saturday’s huge Champions League clash, this is the Chelsea lineup that should play against Bayern.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Willy Caballero (GK) - Having played in the first leg back in February, Caballero should retain his spot in goal. It will be his 17th appearance in the competition but just his second in blue, as he hopes to end the season on a high in Munich.

Reece James (RB) - James will definitely start at right back in Azpilicueta’s absence, dropping back from his recent spot as a wing back. The Englishman has enjoyed a successful debut season, making 36 appearances so far under Lampard.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - With all three of Chelsea’s captains unavailable for Saturday, Zouma is in contention to wear the armband at the Allianz Arena. The Frenchman has been at Stamford Bridge since 2014 and has the small task of keeping Robert Lewandowski quiet on Saturday night.

Antonio Rüdiger (CB) - Rüdiger is likely to get the nod to partner Zouma, in what has been a bittersweet partnership this season. The 27-year-old would make his 27th appearance of the campaign if he starts.

Emerson (LB) - While he has greatly struggled for gametime this season, Emerson looks likely to make a rare start. The Italian defender has failed to cement his spot at the back, playing 20 times this season and starting just a third of the Blues’ games.

2. Midfielders

N’Golo Kanté (DM) - While he remains a doubt, Kanté must start if he is fit. Lampard is already without Jorginho and Gilmour, and if Loftus-Cheek is also not ready the Frenchman will have to step in and give it his all as a midfield pivot.

Mateo Kovačić (CM) - Kovačić was Chelsea’s only standout performer when Bayern came to west London, and he will be at the heart of midfield once again. His European credentials and experience have been crucial all season, and he will need to be the engine if the Blues want to pull off a famous comeback.

Ross Barkley (CM) - The long list of midfield absentees will give Barkley the chance to step up, as he looks all but certain to start at the Allianz Arena. The Englishman has tailed after his strong run of form, yet still has ten goal contributions to his name.

3. Forwards

Mason Mount (RW) - One of Chelsea’s star players this season, Mount should make a remarkable 53rd appearance of the campaign in Munich. He has been in superb form since the restart, with eight goals and six assists a great start to life in the Blues’ first team.

Olivier Giroud (FW) - Chelsea need experience and quality up top if they want to progress to the quarter finals, which is why Giroud must start. The Frenchman’s crucial goal against Wolves was his tenth for the season, making him just the fourth player in Lampard’s squad to hit double digits

Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW) - Pulisic, Willian and Pedro’s injuries will give Hudson-Odoi a rare shot on the wing, having made 33 appearances yet no start since 1 February. It will be his fifth Champions League appearance this season.

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