Predicted Chelsea XI to play Atletico Madrid – Hazard to start?

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Match to be played on Wednesday April 30 2014 at 19:45 GMT. Venue: Stamford Bridge, London.

Jose Mourinho is likely to make several changes to the side which faces Atletico Madrid this week after a superb tactical performance in the game against Liverpool over the weekend.

Chelsea are well placed in the Champions League semi-final and have home advantage with the tie level at 0-0. There is a real race against time for Belgian Eden Hazard who has admitted that he wants to be able to feature in this game.

Here’s the side Mourinho may go with.

GK – Mark Schwarzer

The Australian has played well since he was called on to replace Petr Cech. He’ll need to be at his very best once again.

RB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta looks more comfortable at right-back though he’s been effective wherever Mourinho has used him this season.

CB – Branislav Ivanovic

Ivanovic should revert to his natural position at centre-back after playing well through the middle against Liverpool.

CB – Gary Cahill

Cahill has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent defenders so far this season. He should come back into the side refreshed.

LB – Ashley Cole

The injury to John Terry means another chance for Cole to play at left-back. His experience defensively and getting forward to play extra width is vital.

RM – Willian

Willian had half an hour against Liverpool so he should be able to recover in time and feature in this game.

DM – David Luiz

With John Obi Mikel suspended and Nemanja Matic ineligible, David Luiz will most likely start as the primary holding midfielder. He needs to protect the defence well.

CM – Ramires

Ramires will be the man who needs to pull the strings and control this game for the Blues. He’s banned from the Premier League for the rest of the season so he should be fresher than anyone else in the squad.

AM – Oscar

Oscar needs to play and get on the ball as frequently as possible as the Blues look to try and make things happen in behind the Atletico defence.

LM – Eden Hazard

If Hazard is anything close to being fully fit then he needs to start given the magnitude of this game. If not, Andre Schurrle is likely to deputise with Willian switching flanks.

ST – Fernando Torres

Torres worked hard during the first leg and it’s obvious he raises his game against his former employers. More of the same.