90min

The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Sevilla

By Adam McGroarty

Timo Werner scored a brace against Southampton and also bagged an assist
Timo Werner scored a brace against Southampton and also bagged an assist / Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
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Chelsea's European adventure gets underway on Tuesday in the opening round of UEFA Champions League Group Stage fixtures.

The Blues qualified for the competition after finishing in fourth position in last season's Premier League, and have been drawn in Group E alongside FC Krasnodar, Sevilla and Stade Rennais. Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla are first to travel to Stamford Bridge, and will arrive in west London to face off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Granada at the weekend.

Frank Lampard's side also failed to win at the weekend, conceding late-on to Southampton in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Here's the Chelsea lineup he should pick to bounce back.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Kepa made another error at the weekend, but Edouard Mendy is injured
Kepa made another error at the weekend, but Edouard Mendy is injured / Pool/Getty Images

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) - The Spaniard may be low on confidence after making another mistake, but Edouard Mendy's thigh injury means Lampard may have no choice but to keep faith with Kepa.

Reece James (RB) - After an eventful full England debut, which ended with a red card, James may replace Cesar Azpilicueta in midweek after watching on from the sidelines against Southampton.

Thiago Silva (CB) - One thing the Chelsea defence needs right now is a commanding leader, with Silva expected to feature after his rest against the Saints. The Brazilian captained Paris Saint-Germain to the Champions League final last season.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - The Frenchman wasn't great again at the weekend, but appears to be in favour. The physicality of Zouma could help the Blues when facing Luuk de Jong.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - Very impressive in his first appearances for Chelsea. Chilwell's delivery causes all sorts of problems and he's proving to be a threat going forward.

2. Midfielders

Kovacic is expected to partner Jorginho in central midfield
Kovacic is expected to partner Jorginho in central midfield / Pool/Getty Images

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Expected to make a return to the lineup in place of N'Golo Kante, who was unusually quiet against Southampton. A key component of Chelsea's side last season and one with considerable experience of the big stage.

Jorginho (CM) - Provided an excellent assist for Timo Werner's second goal against Southampton, playing the ball over the top of the defensive line for the German to run onto. Should keep his place at the base of a central midfield two.

Mason Mount (RM) - After silencing his critics on international duty, Mount's display against Southampton was rather underwhelming. May retain his place as Hakim Ziyech works up to full match fitness.

Kai Havertz (CAM) - The German tapped in Werner's cross at the weekend to net his first Premier League goal, and will now be looking for his first goal contribution in Europe's elite competition.

Christian Pulisic (LM) - Was off the pace against Southampton but that's to be expected after a lengthy layoff. On his day, Pulisic can wreak havoc and will need to marshalled carefully by Sevilla's defence.

3. Forward

Timo Werner's composed finish for his second goal against Southampton was a touch of class
Timo Werner's composed finish for his second goal against Southampton was a touch of class / Pool/Getty Images

Timo Werner (ST) - Broke his Chelsea duck at the weekend with two very different goals. Now that he's underway, expect the German to come out firing - he did net four Champions League goals last season after all.