Champions League
Nov 2, 2022 8.00pm
2
1
HT : 2 1
FT
  • Raheem Sterling 18' goal
  • Denis Zakaria 30' goal
  • goal Bruno Petkovic 7'

How Chelsea could line up against Dinamo Zagreb

How Chelsea could line up against Dinamo Zagreb

Chelsea manager Graham Potter should not shy away from making several changes for Tuesday's Champions League Group E finale with Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge.

The first of those alterations will occur in goal, after Kepa Arrizabalaga had to come off with a foot problem in the Blues' 4-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.

Kepa has been ruled out of this game by Potter, who has confirmed that Edouard Mendy will start this one, while Kalidou Koulibaly could also force his way into the squad. Wesley Fofana and Reece James remain sidelined, though.

Potter is sure to avoid risking Koulibaly unnecessarily, with Chelsea already through as group winners and preparing for the visit of Arsenal, but Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella should still be required at the back given a lack of alternative options.

Thiago Silva could do with a rest, though, so Cesar Azpilicueta may line up on the right-hand side of the back three, allowing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell to act as the wing-backs.

Potter has spoken frequently of Mateo Kovacic's ongoing knee problem, and the Croatian also missed training with a calf issue on Tuesday as a precautionary measure, so he is likely to be spared as Jorginho returns to the fold.

With Conor Gallagher also one booking away from a European ban, the door has been opened for Denis Zakaria to finally make his Chelsea debut, while Carney Chukwuemeka will hope to earn some minutes too, despite training alone earlier this week.

Mason Mount will also miss the first leg of the last-16 if he is cautioned, so it would not be a surprise to see Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja act as Chelsea's front three.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Cucurella; Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Zakaria, Chilwell; Ziyech, Pulisic; Broja

POLL
Who will win Wednesday's Champions League clash between Chelsea and Dinamo Zagreb?
Chelsea 82%
Draw 12%
Dinamo Zagreb 6%
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