Chelsea will be looking to defend their place in the top eight of the Champions League group stage without two of their main attackers.
The Blues have made the trip to Italy to face Atalanta without Cole Palmer and Liam Delap, with the latter facing weeks on the sideline due to a shoulder injury.
Palmer’s absence is just a precaution, with Enzo Maresca looking to protect him as he makes his comeback from a groin issue which kept him out since September.
Palmer out ❌
Who should start in the 10?
Enzo Maresca on Cole Palmer
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The Blues have done quite well without their key man for large portions of the season, however will need to show some backbone when they take on Atalanta away from home.
Chelsea FC Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
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Chelsea given 44% chance of win vs Atalanta in the Champions League
Victory will strengthen their grip on a place in the top eight with just two games to follow this, and Opta have given Chelsea a 44% chance of a win in Italy.
They go on to say that their opponents have been given a 30.5% chance of winning, and the draw being ranked as a 25.5% chance of occurring.
Maresca will be handed the boost of Moises Caicedo being available for action. The Ecuadorian has only missed two of his three suspended games, although they do not count in the Champions League.
Given the fact that Caicedo has been struggling with ongoing injury problems, having over a week off is likely to actually have positive side effects on his own performances.
Maresca’s attacking options without Palmer and Delap
Maresca is going to have to do some shuffling to his attack in order for the Blues to pick up all three points against Atalanta.
The Chelsea Chronicle are arguing that Tyrique George should start up front, rather than Marc Guiu or Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian can replace Palmer in the number 10 position, and the Blues have a strong record when George has started in the centre-forward role.
We are also tipping Facundo Buonanotte to be given his chance in the side, after finding a place in the matchday squad difficult to come by.
Predicted XI to face Atalanta ✈️
What do you think of this new-look Chelsea attack?
Chelsea vs Atalanta
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