How Chelsea could line up against Eintracht Frankfurt

Chelsea head into the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night looking to maintain their unbeaten run in this season's competition.

The Blues have won all but one of their 12 matches since the middle of September, although Maurizio Sarri's side are yet to face a team who possess the same quality as Frankfurt.

Chelsea warmed up for the meeting in Germany by registering a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Below, Sports Mole predicts what starting lineup could be named by Sarri for the encounter at the Commerzbank-Arena.

Out: Antonio Rudiger (knee), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles), Ethan Ampadu (back), Marco van Ginkel (knee) Doubtful: Willian (ankle)

A second knee injury in quick succession for Antonio Rudiger means that Sarri will be forced into a change at centre-back, with Andreas Christensen expected to deputise for the Germany international.

Willian also sustained a knock at Old Trafford, but the Brazilian is likely to shake off an ankle injury to be able to feature in the 18-man squad.

However, Pedro could be preferred to Willian on the right flank, and Olivier Giroud is almost certain to be handed a starting role ahead of Gonzalo Higuain.

Sarri is likely to select either Ross Barkley or Ruben Loftus-Cheek in place of Mateo Kovacic, although N'Golo Kante and Jorginho should retain their places in the team.

Marcos Alonso netted Chelsea's goal against United at the weekend, but the Spaniard may be replaced by Emerson Palmieri having only just recovered from a gluteal injury.