Chelsea FC host Borussia Dortmund at the Stamford Bridge as they look to overturn a one-goal deficit and advance to the next round of the UEFA Champions League.
Graham Potter’s men fell to a Karim Adeyemi solo strike in the reverse fixture and have had a rather difficult time in recent months. However, the Blues are on the back of a 1 – 0 win over Leeds United, ending a six-match winless run in the process and will fancy their chances in front of the home supporters.
On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund are on a run of 10 consecutive wins in all competitions since the World Cup ended. Edin Terzic’s side currently sit second in the Bundesliga, trailing leaders Bayern Munich on goal difference.
Chelsea vs Dortmund – Team News
The medical staff at Stamford Bridge is working hard to treat several injured players, including N’Golo Kante, Armando Broja, Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thiago Silva, who are all expected to miss the game. However, Christian Pulisic will be part of the squad, and Reece James may recover in time to play.
Mason Mount will not be able to play due to a one-game European ban for yellow card accumulation, and Trevoh Chalobah will have to replace the ineligible Benoit Badiashile. The coach is likely to stick with the 3-4-3 formation that worked well in the previous game, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek may be benched if James is fit. Despite his recent poor form, Kai Havertz is expected to start, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not made the squad for the knockout stages.
Dortmund will be missing several key players, including the injured Adeyemi, Youssoufa Moukoko, Mateu Morey, Abdoulaye Kamara, and Julien Duranville. Moreover, their first-choice goalkeeper, Kobel, is doubtful due to a thigh complaint. While a comeback for Kobel is possible, Alexander Meyer is expected to start in goal. Upfront, Sebastien Haller is likely to lead the attack for Dortmund, with Donyell Malen providing competition for the position.
Chelsea vs Dortmund – Predicted XI
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Kepa; Chalobah, Koulibaly, Fofana; James, Kovacic, Fernandez, Chilwell; Sterling, Havertz, Felix
