How Chelsea could line up against Lille

Chelsea head into their Champions League encounter with Lille knowing that they require a win in order to qualify for the knockout stages.

While the Blues sit in third position in Group H, Chelsea's fate remains in their own hands after avoiding defeat in Valencia on matchday five.

However, Frank Lampard has witnessed his side lose three of their last five matches in all competitions, which includes a 3-1 defeat at Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how the West Londoners may line up for the fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Out: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) Doubtful: Antonio Rudiger (groin)

Given the short turnaround after the setback at Goodison Park, Lampard will consider making alterations to his starting lineup.

There could be a change at full-back, with Emerson Palmieri coming into the team in place of Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta switching to the right side of the backline.

Fikayo Tomori is also expected to get the nod ahead of Andreas Christensen, while Lampard is likely to bring Jorginho back into the team after the Italian was rested on Saturday.

With Chelsea needing to tighten up defensively, the Italian could partner N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic in midfield, which would likely lead to Mason Mount dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

While none of Chelsea's front three performed particularly well on Merseyside, it would come as a surprise if Willian, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham do not keep their places in the side.

Having proven his fitness in training after a groin injury, defender Antonio Rudiger could feature among the replacements.