Kurt Zouma and Timo Werner return, but Andreas Christensen drops out as Chelsea prepare to take on Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel has made five changes to the side that was held to a goalless draw by Leeds United in the Premier League last weekend as Chelsea get set to play hosts to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg at Stamford Bridge.
There are no shuffles in goal, where Edouard Mendy retains his spot ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The first change comes in defence, where Kurt Zouma comes in for Andreas Christensen to start at the heart of Chelsea’s three-man central defensive unit alongside Antonio Rudiger and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
How we line-up for #CHEATM ? Five changes from Leeds as we revert to a back three pic.twitter.com/B7S6oUBu3P
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 17, 2021
Up ahead in midfield, one change is forced due to Jorginho’s suspension, meaning Mateo Kovacic starts in the double pivot along with N’Golo Kante. Out wide, Reece James and Marcos Alonso replace Christian Pulisic and Ben Chilwell.
The final change is also a forced one, with Mason Mount serving a one-match suspension. In his stead, Timo Werner makes his return to the starting lineup, with Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz retaining their respective spots in the side from the weekend.
Chelsea Starting Lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, James, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso, Ziyech, Werner, Havertz
