Chelsea predicted XI for Bayern: 3-4-3 to stick around longer

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Reece James of Chelsea is challenged by Ciaran Clark of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Reece James of Chelsea is challenged by Ciaran Clark of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 17: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea after he sees his goal ruled out by VAR during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 17, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Willian, 22, Right wing, Brazil

It was more than a little weird to see Ross Barkley start over Willian against Tottenham, even considering the formation was more of a 3-4-2-1 than a 3-4-3. Even still, Barkley was the weakest link on a good team on the day and it makes sense to bring Willian and his experience back in for Bayern. Even more so, he can help out James and Jorginho on that flank as there is sure to be plenty of pressure on.

Tammy Abraham, 9, Striker, England

If Abraham is declared fit, he is obviously going to play. Yes, Olivier Giroud more than proved himself as a starter against Tottenham. And yes, Giroud is in form goal scoring wise right now. It will not matter. Giroud would (and should remain) a great defense buster this season, but Bayern Munich will be coming at Chelsea. That will require Abraham who can do most of what Giroud can (and has), but he needs to start finding the net again.

Mason Mount, 19, Left wing, England

The Mason Mount haters have thankfully returned to their respective rocks after Tottenham. Mount was all action against Jose Mourinho’s side and the formation likely had a lot to do with that. Furthermore, any time Mount operates in a wider position on paper he tends to do better. With the winger options still quite constrained, starting Mount up high is no brainer.

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