The UEFA Champions League’s group phase comes to a hectic conclusion as every team will play at the same time with permutations up and down the table. Places in the top eight are available as are play-off spots, but this could come down to goal difference with the current standings so tight. This article will bring you the latest Chelsea team news as well as a predicted lineup as they take on Napoli in Italy.
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Chelsea Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Napoli
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Rob Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have shared goalkeeping duties under Liam Rosenior, both are trying to show they’re better at helping the team build up, although Sanchez is likely the first choice by a hair. The back line has been chopped and changed with Malo Gusto, Reece James, and Josh Acheampong starting on the right, while Marc Cucurella and Jorrel Hato share minutes on the left. In the centre of the back line it’s chaotic as Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wes Fofana, and Trevoh Chalobah are switched consistently.
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James has stepped into midfield, where Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo have emerged as the main pairing with Enzo Fernandez also capable of playing back there. Enzo has recently moved forward to play as more of a CAM with Estevao, Pedro Neto, and Alejandro Garnacho playing out wide. Cole Palmer is the other CAM option but has moved to the right to accommodate the Argentine if needed.
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It’s still unclear who is the number one striker as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro share most of the starts there. The Brazilian has netted more goals than the former Ipswich man and could be the preferred option but it can depend on the opponent. Marc Guiu has also started up front in recent outings.
Chelsea Recent Form & Tactics
Things haven’t changed much in the bigger picture as the team still sets up in a 4-2-3-1 but the mechanics are different. The pivot tends to stay closer together while the full-backs are more dynamic. Gusto last week at Pafos was inverting to the central half-space but at the weekend, Cucucrella was overlapping Neto on the left constantly. There is a more direct, unpredictable nature to the team as the new manager instils his ideas.
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Since the managerial change Rosenior has won four out of his five matches with big wins over Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic showing an attacking impetus. Clean sheets are still inconsistent having kept two in a row before letting in a goal against the Eagles’ ten men. Things are definitely looking brighter than they were at the end of Enzo Maresca’s tenure.
Chelsea Team News
The travelling squad gives some indication of what players are available. Palmer is with the team and could be in line to make an appearance after being rested. Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Mykhailo Mudryk have all stayed home. Jorgensen was subbed off against Pafos with a small issue but is back with the team, Gaga Slonina, the third-choice goalkeeper, is not with the squad.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Wes Fofana
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Reece James
DM – Andrey Santos
DM – Moises Caicedo
AM – Enzo Fernandez
W – Pedro Neto
W – Cole Palmer
ST – Liam Delap