The Chelsea lineup that should start against FC Porto in the Champions League

Thomas Tuchel could rotate the side for the Porto fixture with the FA Cup semi-final in mind
Thomas Tuchel could rotate the side for the Porto fixture with the FA Cup semi-final in mind / Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Chelsea have one foot in the semi-finals of this season's UEFA Champions League having beaten FC Porto 2-0 in last week's first-leg.

Goals from Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have given the Portuguese outfit a mountain to climb in the return fixture, but with a big FA Cup semi-final to come this weekend, will we see Tuchel shuffle the pack?

The Blues take on Manchester City this Saturday with a place in the showpiece final up for grabs and so given the advantage they already hold in this tie, it'll be interesting to see how the German approaches this one.

They have a fully-fit squad to select from and here at 90min, we look at the team that should start for Chelsea on Tuesday night.


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva could return to the starting lineup having missed the trip to Crystal Palace / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Aside from the obvious fact he is the club's number one nowadays, the Senegalese goalkeeper could match Fabian Barthez's record of winning eight consecutive Champions League matches in goal for an English club.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - One of the more experienced players in the group and a natural leader who plays the right-sided centre-back role brilliantly.

Thiago Silva (CB) - Should be well-rested having served a domestic ban at the weekend following his red card against West Brom.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - A centre-back who divides opinion. Mind you, he's not the only one at Chelsea but having not played at the weekend, he too should also be fresh.

2. Midfielders & wing-backs

N'Golo Kante
Kante should return to the midfield / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Reece James (RWB) - Gives Chelsea plenty going forward as well as defensive security. Was unlucky not to start at the weekend but perhaps it was with a view towards this fixture.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Played well at the weekend after a poor showing vs West Brom, deserves to retain his place in the starting eleven.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - Came on as a substitute at the weekend with Chelsea protecting him after a recent injury. Having played the last half hour at Selhurst Park he should be fit enough to start.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Chilwell scored a fabulous goal in the first leg but Alonso has proven under Tuchel he can do a solid job on the left flank. With the FA Cup semi-final to come this weekend, it makes sense to give the England international a break.

3. Forwards

Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud has performed well in the Champions League so far this season / Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Hakim Ziyech (RW) - Some rotation is needed ahead of Saturday and the former Ajax man deserves the chance to prove his worth as we head into the business end of the season.

Mason Mount (LW) - Despite having spent millions on creative talent, there is no getting away from the fact he is one of the team's most important players.

Olivier Giroud (ST)
- The 34-year-old has scored six goals in six Champions League appearances this season and rarely lets you down. There will be calls for Tammy Abraham to start instead but the Frenchman is the better option.