90min

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Juventus - Champions League

By Krishan Davis

Thomas Tuchel will have some selection headaches on Tuesday
Thomas Tuchel will have some selection headaches on Tuesday / BEN STANSALL/GettyImages
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Chelsea are back in Champions League action as they host Italian giants Juventus at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

The Blues currently sit second in Group H, but they will need a victory by two goals or more if they want to usurp their visitors at the summit. Anything less and the Bianconeri will continue to lead they way thanks to the head-to-head and goal difference.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is having no luck with attacking injuries; while Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku are on the verge of returns after a month out, Kai Havertz is now a doubt with a hamstring injury.

With that in mind, here's how the German could set up his team...

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy is racking up clean sheets / James Williamson - AMA/GettyImages

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Another clean sheet on Sunday against Leicester. Absolutely no doubt he starts barring a disaster.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - Rested against the Foxes, expect the classy Dane to return to the lineup for what is a crucial match.

Thiago Silva (CB) - The temptation will be there to rest him and bring Cesar Azpilicueta back into the team, but the Brazilian's so important to the side that he'll be required here.

Antonio Rüdiger (CB) - Simply put, he is in undroppable, unstoppable form. A goal on Saturday, he'll start again here.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

Thomas Tuchel, N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante was magnificent against Leicester / James Williamson - AMA/GettyImages

Reece James (RWB) - Arguably Chelsea's most important player so far this season. He is another name Tuchel might want to rest, but the importance of the match won't be lost on him.

Jorginho (CM) - His midfield hold-up play and passing ability from deep will be crucial in alleviating the pressure Juve will doubtless apply.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - Imperious in every department against Leicester, the Frenchman will be equally important here as a ball-winning, all-action midfielder up against some classy operators.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - One area of the pitch where Tuchel may consider some rotation ahead of the festive schedule. Ben Chilwell is now first choice, but the side isn't significantly weakened by Alonso's inclusion.

3. Forwards

Timo Werner
Timo Werner should make his injury comeback / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Mason Mount (RF) - Taken off with half an hour to go on Saturday so he is clearly in Tuchel's thinking here, although his replacement Hakim Ziyech impressed off the bench.

Timo Werner (ST) - Finally back from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for a month. Werner will likely have to start centrally here with Havertz doubtful and Lukaku lacking match fitness.

Christian Pulisic (LF) - Scored off the bench on Saturday and may be in line for a start with Havertz out. Ziyech will push him too, though.

You can read a preview for Tuesday night's clash here.

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