Liam Rosenior cannot get his team line-up wrong for Chelsea’s game against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.
The Blues are already three goals down in the Champions League tie after losing 5-2 in the first leg.
So, what team could Rosenior put out at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea try to do the impossible? The Chelsea Chronicle has tried to predict the Englishman’s starting XI!
What do you make of Chelsea players’ decision to do their team huddle on the halfway line?
Chelsea players enter a huddle surrounding Referee Paul Tierney
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea predicted XI vs PSG
After Filip Jorgensen’s howler at the Parc des Princes, goalkeeper is an easy choice. It has to be Robert Sanchez, whether his rival is fit or not. Youngster Max Merrick is not a viable option for such an occasion.
Right-back is not as simple, as Malo Gusto is having a great season, while Reece James is always fit these days. However, the latter should get the nod, with there being no need for him to play in midfield when Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos are all available.
Wesley Fofana’s last two performances have been worrying, but it would be a surprise if Rosenior dropped him. Ability-wise, Chelsea do not have a better central defender right now.
Trevoh Chalobah has been a mainstay in central defence this season so will keep his place there.
Similarly, Marc Cucurella is the first-choice option in his position, left-back. With that being said, Jorrel Hato has really been pushing him lately.
Caicedo’s form has tailed off as the season has gone on, but he is still one of the best midfielders in the world. An automatic starter for Chelsea.
It will be interesting to see who his midfield partner is. Rosenior could stick with James, but a more natural option like Santos or Lavia makes sense while you have them at your disposal. Lavia is still building up his fitness, so Santos seems more likely to start.
Andrey Santos of Chelsea warms up
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Estevao Willian is unlikely to be risked from the start if he is fit enough to make the squad, so Cole Palmer will continue playing on the right.
Enzo Fernandez has been very good in the No.10 position this term and scored in the first leg. Rosenior will want to use him in a more attacking role again.
Pedro Neto has been charged for the incident involving him and a PSG ball boy last week, but no ban has been issued yet.
Finally, Joao Pedro is the only man who could possibly start up front in a game where Chelsea have to grab an early goal.
Who are you starting in goal and midfield against PSG?
Chelsea's predicted XI for PSG clash
The damage has already been done after a hugely disappointing result in the first leg. But maybe this team can still win the match.
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