Chelsea return to Europa League action buoyed after their 2-2 draw against Manchester United. Ross Barkley got the last-second equaliser as we kept our unbeaten start to the season intact.
The Europa League has seen Sarri rotate his side a lot, and the same is expected as we face Bate Borisov on Thursday.
A win should be on the cards for the Blues but we haven’t been great in the Europa League. Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity for some of our stars to prove they can break into the preferred starting XI.
Our next Premier League game is away to Burnley, and keeping it in mind, here is our predicted line-up against Bate.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
Willy Caballero doesn’t get playing time in the Europa League, and we should see Kepa keep his spot from the weekend.
Davide Zappacosta (RB)
Cesar Azpilicueta needs a rest and the Italian Zappacosta should start against Bate.
Gary Cahill (CB)
Cahill’s image was used during an announcement for the game, and the Englishman should start on Thursday evening.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Danish defender is another player that could be started as he looks to put in a quality performance at the back.
Emerson Palmieri (LB)
Marcos Alonso was decent in the 2-2 draw against United but he too needs a break and Emerson should be in line to start.
Ross Barkley (CM)
The hero from our last game, Barkley should start this tie against Bate and will be interested in playing well for Chelsea.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
The former Arsenal midfielder hasn’t started many games for Chelsea this season but should play as the deepest midfielder against Bate.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)
The English midfielder hasn’t received a lot of playing time this season, but this match is perfect for Loftus-Cheek to clock in a few minutes.
Pedro (LW)
The Spaniard needs a good game and could start in place of Eden Hazard who picked up a minor knock in the 2-2 draw against United.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
The French striker didn’t start against United but should get a game against Bate.
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Willian (RW)
The Brazilian should start given that Hazard is a slight doubt for the game. Willian hasn’t been great this season and needs a good game.
