Chelsea will now focus on the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with a first-leg match against Lille. Thomas Tuchel's men will be looking to continue their good form after defeating Crystal Palace 1-0 thanks to a late Hakim Ziyech goal.
The blues will have the advantage because they will be playing at home, and now that the away-goal rule has been cancelled, they must ensure that they take maximum points in this game.
Here is my strongest lineup to ensure the blues defeat Lille tomorrow;
*Goalkeeper
Mendy is expected to maintain his position as Chelsea's goalie tomorrow.
Defenders
Tuxhel should undoubtedly return to using his usual 3-4-3 formation. He used four defenders in the game against Palace and we all saw how the blues struggled in attack. In my opinion, Andreas Christensen, Silva and Rudiger who were at their best against Crystal Palace should start as central defenders for this game. Their composure and passes helped Chelsea in the win against Crystal palace and I believe those traits will come in handy again against Lille too.
For this game, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to return to the starting lineup. They should play at their usual left and right wing-back positions.
Midfielders
Jorginho wasn’t at his best against the Palace, and I expect to see Kovacic take his place in midfield.
Kante wasn't that great against Palace but he’s still crucial to the way in which Chelsea plays. He should remain in the starting XI for this game.
Attackers
Chelsea’s attack, and most especially Romelu Lukaku, has been struggling recently and I believe he should be replaced by Timo Werner. In my opinion, Ziyech and Pulisic, who were outstanding against Palace, should operate from the wing to complete the three man attack. I believe this attack will be more effective than what Tuchel used in the game against Crystal Palace.
