Ross Barkley to replace Mateo Kovacic?: Predicted Chelsea line-up to face PAOK

Ross Barkley left Chelsea for Aston Villa on a loan deal last year.

Chelsea were disappointing in their London derby against Tottenham, and could put out a much-changed side for their Europa League tie against PAOK.

The Blues have already qualified for the next round of the tournament, and Maurizio Sarri should mix things up with the starting XI as he has done in this competition.

The manager would expect a reaction from the side that was humbled by Tottenham on Saturday, and here is our predicted XI for the side.

Predicted Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

Kepa should have done better for two of the goals we conceded against Spurs, and it would not be a surprise seeing him start in this game.

Davide Zappacosta (RB)

The Italian should replace Cesar Azpilicueta at the back as he has done in most of the Europa League games.

Gary Cahill (CB)

Cahill doesn’t get a look in our Premier League team and should start for Sarri in the Europa League.

Andreas Christensen (CB)

The Danish defender is facing the same problem as Cahill and should partner the Englishman in the heart of our defence.

Emerson Palmieri (LB)

Emerson has been decent during his Europa League outings and should replace Marcos Alonso in the left-back slot.

Cesc Fabregas (CM)

Another player that doesn’t feature regularly in the Premier League, Fabregas should start for Chelsea against PAOK.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)

Loftus-Cheek has a hat-trick to his name in this competition already and should be in the starting XI.

Ross Barkley (CM)

It was a surprise not seeing Barkley start against Tottenham but the Englishman should return to the line-up against PAOK.

Pedro (LW)

Eden Hazard should be rested by Sarri and Pedro could be the man to replace the Belgian in the attack.

Olivier Giroud (ST)

The Frenchman looked good after coming off the bench against Spurs and got a goal for his troubles too. Giroud should get the nod ahead of Alvaro Morata, who is struggling again.