Champions League
Apr 13, 2021 8.00pm
0
1
HT : 0 0
FT Stamford Bridge
  • yellowcard Sergio Oliveira 46'
  • yellowcard Jesus Corona 74'
  • yellowcard Pepe 82'
  • yellowcard Luis Diaz 88'
  • goal Mehdi Taremi 90'+4'
  • yellowcard Mehdi Taremi 90'+5'

 How Chelsea could line up against Porto

How Chelsea could line up against Porto

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has the luxury of a fully-fit squad for his side's second leg of their Champions League quarter-final bout with Porto on Tuesday.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy claimed his seventh successive Champions League win in a 2-0 first leg triumph, and another win here would see him go level with Fabien Barthez as the goalkeeper with the most consecutive Champions League victories at an English club.

Tuchel had to make do without Thiago Silva at the weekend due to suspension, but the well-rested Brazilian could be rotated into the defence as Kurt Zouma makes way, while Andreas Christensen will hope to earn a start over Antonio Rudiger.

N'Golo Kante was fit enough to appear as a substitute in the win at Selhurst Park, and with Tuchel aiming to keep his players fresh before the weekend's battle with Manchester City, Kante is in contention to start over Jorginho.

In line with Tuchel's policy of shuffling the pack, Reece James and Marcos Alonso could feature out wide in place of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell, despite the latter's crucial goal in the first leg in Seville.

Mason Mount is simply undroppable right now, but Tuchel may not be prepared to risk Christian Pulisic again after his recent injury worries - despite his brace at the weekend - so Hakim Ziyech is in line to occupy a spot behind the striker.

Who that striker may be is up for debate, as Kai Havertz enjoyed one of his best games in a Chelsea shirt against Crystal Palace, while Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are waiting in the wings. Given the latter's former success in Seville, and overall strong form in this season's tournament, he may be chosen to lead the line.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Christensen; James, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Ziyech, Mount; Giroud

> Click here to see how Porto could line up for this clash

POLL
Who will win Tuesday's Champions League clash between Chelsea and Porto?
Chelsea 78%
Draw 11%
Porto 12%
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