Champions League

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Attendance: 39,469

Champions League | Group Stage

Sep 17, 2019 at 8pm UK

Chelsea
0-1
Valencia

FT(HT: 0-0)

Rodrigo (75')

How Chelsea could line up against Valencia

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 September 2019

Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between Chelsea and Valencia, Sports Mole looks at how the Blues could line up at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea play host to Valencia in the Champions League on Tuesday night looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches.

After a ruthless display against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, the Blues have recorded eight points from a possible 12 in the Premier League.

Frank Lampard and his side now turn their attention to the European scene, eager to build on lifting the Europa League last season.

However, the Englishman still has a number of selection dilemmas, while also being left in two minds regarding the shape of his team.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how the West Londoners could line up for the fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Out: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles), N'Golo Kante (ankle), Antonio Rudiger (groin)
Doubtful: Emerson Palmieri (thigh), Callum Hudson-Odoi (lack of match fitness), Reece James (lack of match fitness)

Despite having insisted that Antonio Rudiger's withdrawal at half time against Wolves was a precaution, Lampard is unlikely to take any risks with the Germany international's groin injury.

That should lead to Kurt Zouma coming back into the team, potentially as part of a back three after the change in formation worked in Chelsea's favour at Molineux.

With N'Golo Kante still nursing an ankle problem, Lampard is unlikely to tinker with his midfield, although an alteration could be made in the final third.

While Willian impressed in the West Midlands, the Brazilian completed his full 90 minutes of the season, which could lead to Christian Pulisic being named in favour of the playmaker.

Emerson Palmieri may return to the squad after a thigh knock sustained on international duty, although the game will come too soon for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James as they continue to build up their fitness after serious Achilles and ankle injuries respectively.