Chelsea take on Bate Borisov in their Europa League clash on Thursday as they look to continue their unbeaten run this season.
The Blues have played with a changed line-up in Europe’s other competition, and we should expect a number of changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace last weekend.
Maurizio Sarri should look to keep our main team fresh for the weekend’s game against Everton, and here is our predicted line-up for the Blues.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Willy Caballero (GK)
Kepa Arrizabalaga should be rested for the weekend and the experienced Caballero should start this game.
Davide Zappacosta (RB)
The Italian right-back should be in-line for another start in the Europa League for Chelsea on Thursday.
Gary Cahill (CB)
Cahill hasn’t seen a lot of first-team minutes this season for Chelsea, however, the Europa League is his best bet for minutes under Sarri.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Dane is another player that hasn’t gotten a lot of minutes in the Premier League but should be part of the starting XI against Bate.
Emerson Palmieri (LB)
Emerson has been quality in the chances he has received for Chelsea and should start in place of Marcos Alonso against Bate.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
The Spanish star hasn’t been great this season for the Blues, but his experience will be useful in this tie.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
The Croatian’s place in our starting XI has been taken up by Ross Barkley, hence Kovacic should get this game on Thursday.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
The Frenchman should start and be replaced later once the points are more or less made safe.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (LW)
Loftus-Cheek has been one of the bright spots in our side this season and should get another start under his belt.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
Alvaro Morata scored a brace in our previous game but should be rested with Giroud leading the line.
Read more: Chelsea have to move quick to sign 18-year-old with £45million release clause
Pedro (RW)
The Spaniard played in our win over the Eagles but should start against the minnows on Thursday.
