Chelsea have managed to qualify for the Champions League next season and on top of that, they are still active in this year’s tournament as they will take on Bayern Munich on Saturday.
The Blues go into this game at the back of a 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup final and on top of that, Frank Lampard has a series of injuries to deal with.
Bayern Munich also hold a 3-0 advantage from the first leg of this tie meaning Chelsea will have no other option but to throw the kitchen sink at the German club from the very first minute.
While no one really expects Bayern to lose this match but the Bundesliga side have not played a match in over a month which could lead to a bit of a rustiness amongst their players.
Chelsea team news vs Bayern Munich:
Willy Caballero started in goal against Arsenal last weekend and we think he will keep his place in the starting XI while Kepa Arrizabalaga warms the benches again.
Azpilicueta has been ruled out with a hamstring injury which he picked up at Wembley meaning Christensen will come into the three-man defensive line alongside Kurt Zouma and Rudiger.
The midfield area could be a bit of an issue for Lampard since Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Billy Gilmour are all unavailable for selection while N’Golo Kante is facing a race against time to feature in the starting XI.
If Kante cannot be fit in time then it will be the partnership of Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic who will start in central midfield.
Marcos Alonso is also unavailable for selection meaning Emerson will come into the side on Saturday while Reece James plays as the other wing-back.
Christian Pulisic picked up a hamstring injury vs Arsenal and as per the latest reports, he will be out of action for a couple of weeks. Mason Mount should move into the left winger’s role while Willian will operate on the other side of the pitch.
Olivier Giroud has been the go-to man for Frank Lampard since the restart and the Frenchman will start up front for Chelsea against Bayern Munich.
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Bayern Munich:
Predicted XI: Willy Caballero; Rudiger, Christensen, Zouma; Kovacic, Barkley/Kante, Emerson, Reece James; Mason Mount, Olivier Giroud, Willian.
