Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid preview: How to watch on TV, live stream, kick-off time & prediction
By Mitch Wilks
Chelsea must make good on a 1-0 aggregate lead when they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday evening.
The Blues left the relocated first leg in Bucharest with a hard-fought away-goal advantage some three weeks ago to put one foot into the quarter-finals, and have maintained an unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel since the victory.
Atleti's ultra defensive tactics didn't pay off as planned, but Diego Simeone's side have since bounced back and also gone unbeaten in the games since the loss. The onus is now on them to head to London and bring it to Chelsea, who have become galvanised under Tuchel.
Here's 90min's preview of the clash.
Where to watch
When is kick off? Wednesday 17 March
What time is kick off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where is it played? Stamford Bridge
TV Channel? BT Sport 2 (UK), fuboTV (US)
Referee: Daniele Orsato
VAR: Massimiliano Irrati
Chelsea team news
The Blues will be without important duo Mason Mount and Jorginho for the tie, with both players suspended having started the first leg and being booked therein.
Tuchel has already confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will start the second leg, while Thiago Silva was fit enough for a place on the bench at the weekend and could also return to the lineup. Otherwise, Chelsea have a full squad to choose from.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico have a fully fit squad to choose from in their quest for a comeback and will need to use that to bring a more attacking game to Stamford Bridge.
Marcos Llorente has thrived in a more forward role this season. The Spaniard has managed nine goals and eight assists in La Liga and Tuchel has admitted he is aware of the threat he brings.
Predicted lineups
Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Hudson-Odoi, Giroud, Werner.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Koke, Llorente, Niguez; Felix, Suarez, Carrasco.
Recent results
Chelsea
Leeds 0-0 Chelsea - Premier League (13/3)
Chelsea 2-0 Everton - Premier League (8/3)
Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea - Premier League (4/3)
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United - Premier League (28/2)
Atletico 0-1 Chelsea - Champions League (23/2)
Atletico Madrid
Getafe 0-0 Atletico - La Liga (13/3)
Atletico 2-1 Athletic Club - La Liga (10/3)
Atletico 1-1 Real Madrid - La Liga (7/3)
Villarreal 0-2 Atletico - La Liga (28/2)
Atletico 0-1 Chelsea - Champions League (23/2)
Prediction
As devastating as Los Rojiblancos can be when at their best, Chelsea have looked seriously impressive since the arrival of Tuchel.
Atleti have been much improved this season and deservedly sit top of La Liga, but Chelsea have improved significantly in recent weeks and, more importantly, become a resilient side that are hard to break down.
The Spaniards have it all to do in the second leg, but a fully fit Chelsea won't be giving up their unbeaten streak under Tuchel in this one. They advance on aggregate.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid