Chelsea predicted lineup vs Lille - Champions League
By Max Parsons
Chelsea kick off their Champions League knockout campaign by hosting Lille in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
The Blues are fresh from a laboured 1-0 win at Crystal Palace last time out, which was the ideal return to domestic return from a Club World Cup triumph. That victory was their fifth in succession across all competitions, giving them a significant advantage over a Lille side that has won just twice in their previous seven.
Here's how Chelsea could set out to overcome the disappointing Dogues.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Lille
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Chelsea's number one has faced Lille five times in his career, without ever winning or keeping a clean sheet.
Andreas Christensen (CB) - Could be shifted into a more comfortable position for this one, although still did a good job keeping tabs on Wilf Zaha at right-back last time out.
Thiago Silva (CB) - During his time with PSG Silva won 75% of his fixtures against Lille, losing just one of their 12 meetings - the omens aren't all bad, Blues fans.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - A consistent performer, Rudiger will surely start for a fifth consecutive game as Lille come to town.
2. Wing-Backs & Midfielders
Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) - Represents a minor doubt for Tuesday's clash but, if fit, Tuchel should entrust the Spaniard with the wing-back role once more.
Jorginho (CM) - Was the better of a very underwhelming midfield duo at Crystal Palace last time out, and should continue at the heart of the side.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - N'Golo Kante was uncharacteristically poor in that game, maybe opening the door to Kovacic for his third Champions League appearance of the campaign.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Callum Hudson-Odoi is another doubt for this tie so, in Ben Chilwell's continued absence, Alonso will likely start this one.
3. Forwards
Hakim Ziyech (RW) - Has largely been in sumptuous form of late, notching three goals in his previous five starts.
Timo Werner (ST) - Romelu Lukaku broke records for all the wrong records last time out, potentially opening the door for Werner to start.
Kai Havertz (LW) - The hero of Chelsea's triumphant 2020/21 Champions League campaign, the German should start here.