Chelsea have a foot in the semi-finals of this season’s UEFA Champions League after beating FC Porto 2-0 in last week’s first stage.
Goals from Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have given the Portuguese outfit a mountain to climb in the return leg, but with a big FA semi-final coming this weekend, will we see Tuchel mix?
The Blues face Manchester City on Saturday with a place in the show final, and so given the advantage they already have in this tie, it will be interesting to see how the German approaches this one.
They have a completely suitable group to choose from and here in 90 minutes we look at the team that will start for Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Thiago Silva was able to return to the starting lineup after missing the trip to Crystal Palace | Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Edouard Mendy (GK) Apart from the obvious fact that he is the club’s number one nowadays, the Senegalese goalkeeper can match Fabian Barthez’s record to win eight Champions League matches in a row 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-wing center-back role brilliantly.
Thiago Silva (CB) – Should be well rested after serving a domestic ban this weekend after his red card against West Brom.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – A midfielder who divides opinions. Keep in mind that he is not the only one at Chelsea but after not playing this weekend, he should also be healthy.
Kante should return to midfield Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Reece James (RWB) – Gives Chelsea a lot in the future as well as defensive security. Was unlucky not to start the weekend but that was perhaps given this fixture.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) – Played well this weekend after a bad performance against West Brom, deserves to keep his place in the top eleven.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – Came in as a replacement this weekend with Chelsea who protected him after an injury recently. After playing the last half hour at Selhurst Park, he should be fit enough to start.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) – Chilwell scored a fantastic goal in the first stage but Alonso has proved under Tuchel that he can do a solid job on the left flank. With the FA semi-final coming this weekend, it makes sense to give the England compatriot a break.
Olivier Giroud has performed well in the Champions League so far this season Fran Santiago / Getty Images
Hakim Ziyech (RW) – Some rotation is needed before Saturday and the former Ajax man deserves the chance to prove his worth when we enter the end of the season.
Mason Mount (LW) – Even though he has spent millions on creative talent, it is impossible to get away from the fact that 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 matches this season and rarely lets you down. It will take Tammy Abraham to start instead, but the Frenchman is the better option.
