When Chelsea FC travels to Germany on Wednesday to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash, Graham Potter will have the tough task of selecting a lineup that can deliver a result......READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The Blues have had a rough start to 2023; they are currently in ninth place in the Premier League, and they are out of every other domestic competition.
However, the Champions League is a whole different challenge, and Potter will need to get his team selection spot-on in order to progress to the quarterfinals.
In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga is likely to start, with the Spaniard having regained his place in the side after a couple of shaky performances earlier in the season.
Potter is likely to go with a back four of Reece James, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, and Benjamin Chilwell. Thiago Silva is the most experienced of the bunch, and his experience will be vital against a Dortmund team that likes to attack in numbers.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez is almost certain to start, with the Argentine’s energy and work rate key to shielding the back four. Conor Gallagher has been in good form of late and will likely partner Fernandez in midfield.
Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount are also likely to start, with the Croatian providing a calming presence in midfield, while Mount’s quality on the ball will be key to unlocking the Dortmund defence.
In attack, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix will likely start on the flanks, with the Ukrainian providing a good balance of pace and skill on the right and the Portuguese’s physical presence and finishing ability on the left. Kai Havertz is likely to lead the line, with the German experience of playing in big games likely to be key in such a high-stakes fixture.
All in all, this lineup should be able to provide a good balance between defence and attack, and if Lampard can get his tactics spot-on, a positive result is certainly achievable.
