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The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's Champions League showdown with Atalanta in Bergamo as the Blues look to take a big step towards qualification in Europe
Chelsea can take a big step towards automatic Champions League qualification this evening with three points away at Atalanta.
The Blues, going into tonight's game, are on 10 points - with three wins from five matches - and sit in seventh place. As it stands, Chelsea would have enough to go through automatically via the top eight, but one result can drastically change the table given how tight it is in the league phase.
With Enzo Maresca always keen to rotate his side, it begs the question: just how strong will the Chelsea head coach go with his line-up? Bobby Vincent has a go at predicting the XI below:
Robert Sanchez
It could be Filip Jorgensen but given there is still a lot riding on this one, Maresca might be tempted to use his No.1 goalkeeper. Sanchez has started this season off brilliantly and produced another fine performance to keep a clean sheet down in Bournemouth.
Malo Gusto
Perhaps a rest for Reece James? No doubt he could go again in Italy, but Maresca may feel this is an opportunity to use Gusto at right-back instead.
Trevoh Chalobah
The 26-year-old defender could be asked to go again in Bergamo. Chalobah completed the full 90 minutes down on the south coast but he has been such an integral part of Maresca's thinking this season that it would not surprise you if he was on the team sheet once again.
Marc Cucurella
There is a shout for Jorrel Hato here, but after the nightmare he suffered in Baku last month against Qarabag, Maresca might be looking to protect the young Dutch defender in what is set to be a hostile atmosphere at the New Balance Arena. Cucurella is a machine and can certainly go twice in the space of 72 hours.
Moises Caicedo
After missing the last two Premier League matches through suspension, Chelsea will be delighted to have the Ecuadorian back. No doubting he starts this one as he is not available for the visit of Everton this weekend.
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez was not at his best on Saturday afternoon but is expected to keep his place in Italy. Chelsea will need him back to his best if they are to get a result in Bergamo tonight.
Estevao Willian
The 18-year-old Brazilian has started the last three European matches for the Blues. After only a cameo appearance in Bournemouth over the weekend, Estevao is set to start tonight.
Joao Pedro
Also did not start against the Cherries on Saturday afternoon. Joao Pedro could be brought back into the side in the No.10 role with Cole Palmer being eased back in following a lengthy absence through injury.
Jamie Gittens
Gittens could make his third start of the Champions League campaign this evening. You feel as if you need more from the 21-year-old winger, but there is undoubtedly promise and potential there.
Marc Guiu
Liam Delap is missing with a shoulder injury. Guiu impressed after coming on in the first-half on Saturday afternoon and the Spaniard will be hoping for another opportunity this evening.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Gittens; Guiu.
Bobby has been with football.london for over two years and has been covering Chelsea since the summer of 2022. During that time, he has been front and centre in perhaps the club's most turbulent time with Roman Abramovich selling to Todd Boehly. He is a regular at press conferences and matches, where he has managed to speak to Enzo Maresca and numerous Chelsea players.
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