Match to be played on Tuesday April 22 2014 at 19:45 GMT. Venue: Vicente Calderon Stadium, Madrid.
Chelsea head into the game against Atletico Madrid last night looking for a first leg advantage, which will allow them to consolidate ahead of the second leg in the semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho will not be a happy man going into the game after he watched his side lose against Sunderland over the weekend, handing Liverpool a further advantage in the title race.
Here’s the side Mourinho could go with tomorrow night.
GK – Petr Cech
Cech’s performance will be interesting as he’s likely to be in direct competition with the man who could replace him, Thibaut Courtois.
RB – David Luiz
There has been plenty of speculation over how Jose Mourinho will replace the suspended Branislav Ivanovic. The normal reaction would be to switch Cesar Azpilicueta to the right and play Ashley Cole at left-back but the boss seems to have lost all faith in his veteran defender.
CB – Gary Cahill
Cahill will be one of the first names down on the team sheet. He’ll be determined to help the side keep a clean sheet after the Sunderland game.
CB – John Terry
Terry has to play because the Blues need to retain experience in their back four. He’ll be crucial in keeping heads up if the game doesn’t start as the Blues would hope.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has been playing out of his natural position for some time but has looked comfortable on the left hand side of the back four.
RM – Willian
It’s important for the Blues to have players in this game who can counter attack and Willian is definitely one of them.
DM – John Obi Mikel
Mourinho will want to retain a defensive presence in the middle of the team with Nemanja Matic ineligible. Should he use David Luiz at full-back then Mikel should slot in and protect the back four.
CM – Ramires
Ramires is on the verge of a domestic suspension according to reports but he’ll be important in this game. He needs to protect the ball effectively.
AM – Oscar
Oscar has to be clever and creative in behind the main striker. He has the ability to really hurt Atletico and can win the game with a single pass or chance.
LM – Andre Schurrle
The temptation to play Mohamed Salah, who has been in good form, will be there for Mourinho but Schurrle guarantees a good work rate and shift in midfield.
ST – Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o needs to draw on all of his experience and be right at the very top of his game, ready to take the smallest of chances that fall his way
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