How Chelsea could line up against Valencia

Chelsea make the trip to Spain to face Valencia knowing that victory will put them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

After fighting back to earn a 4-4 draw against Ajax earlier this month, the Blues - as well as the Dutch side and Valencia - are all locked on seven points in Group H.

However, Chelsea travel to the Mestalla on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, a result which ended their run of six successive wins in the Premier League.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how Chelsea could line up for the showdown with the La Liga outfit.

Out: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles), Antonio Rudiger (groin), Doubtful: Ross Barkley (ankle), Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring)

After Frank Lampard opted for more defensive qualities in his midfield at the Etihad Stadium, Mason Mount is expected to be handed a recall on Wednesday evening.

Assuming that N'Golo Kante came through the clash with the top-flight champions unscathed, Mateo Kovacic is likely to be the player to drop out of the team.

There are several other squad members who are pushing for a start, with Andreas Christensen now fit after a hamstring injury and Callum Hudson-Odoi close to shaking off a similar issue.

However, with Chelsea having had four days to recover from the game in Manchester, Lampard may decide to keep alterations down to a minimum.

Should Ross Barkley be available after an ankle problem, the playmaker will only be selected among the replacements.