Chelsea predicted lineup vs Real Madrid - Champions League
By Max Parsons
Chelsea continue their Champions League defence on Wednesday night as they host the first leg of their quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
Thomas Tuchel's men have a tough job to bounce back from their previous outing, after suffering a downright humiliation at home to Brentford at the weekend. A shocking 4-1 defeat against the Bees brought an end to a run of six consecutive victories across all competitions, including a win away at Lille that sealed their spot at this stage of the Champions League.
A challenging replay of last year's semi-final ensues, with a Real Madrid side that looks set for La Liga glory come May, despite some underwhelming form in recent weeks. Here's how Tuchel could set his side up for this mouth-watering fixture.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Started all but one of Chelsea's eight UCL fixtures so far this term, and should continue for this one.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - Has skippered the club seven times in this competition so far this campaign, scoring in his last outing.
Thiago Silva (CB) - Struggled massively against Brentford at the weekend and will have to pick himself up significantly to cope with Karim Benzema and co.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Fresh from scoring one of the goals of the season and celebrating really weirdly, the German is nailed on to start.
2. Midfielders
Reece James (RWB) - Returned to action from the bench in that defeat to the Bees, but could be afforded a start in this one, allowing Tuchel to go back to a three in defence.
Jorginho (CM) - Will hope to return to the side in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek for such a massive occasion.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Was immense in both legs of this tie last campaign, running an ageing Real Madrid midfield ragged - has the opportunity to repeat that.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - With Ben Chilwell still out of contention, ex-Real man Alonso should retain his spot.
3. Forwards
Mason Mount (RW) - Was probably one of his side's most creative threats at the weekend (not saying much) and should continue for a game in which he can hope to find pockets of space.
Kai Havertz (ST) - Clearly developing into the first-choice front man in this side and, with five goals and an assist in his previous seven appearances, you can see why.
Christian Pulisic (LW) - Missed his side's previous outing but could come into the fold to freshen things up a bit in attack, having scored against Real last term.