Chelsea predicted XI at Sevilla: Rotation for the UCL showdown

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Chelsea’s Italian midfielder Jorginho (L) vies with Sevilla’s Brazilian midfielder Fernando during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Jorginho (No. 5) Defensive midfielder, Italy

Alongside Mendy, Jorginho is the player most likely to start against Sevilla. Lampard selected the midfielder to speak ahead of the match and take on presser duties. A player once thought to have been as good as gone from Chelsea is now in line to make his 100th start for the club during an important Champions League clash.

Jorginho was a part of the starting XI on match day one when these two sides met in a 0-0 draw. He earned a yellow card and came off early because of it, but played an important part in making sure the Blues kept some control in the game. Sevilla strives to possess a majority of the ball during the game and although Jorginho may not be the most versatile midfielder, he is great at controlling possession. His inclusion also gives Lampard a chance to rest players like N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount. Could we see another Jorginho masterclass midweek?

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has been an important player in many of Chelsea’s recent matches. He put on his best performance against Tottenham when he was awarded Man of the Match for his defensive efforts against the counter. This will earn him another start against Sevilla, but likely see his day end early, hopefully to be subbed off for Billy Gilmour.

Although we haven’t often seen Kovacic and Jorginho work well together this season, things could be different this time around under Lampard’s new 4-3-3 with two No. 8s. Despite the Croatian not being an advanced midfielder by trade, he possesses a lot of the necessary skills to occupy this position. Kovacic will play an important role in slowing down the pacey Sevilla attack.

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Central midfielder, Germany

After a pair of substitute appearances in the last two games, Kai Havertz is finally in line to make his anticipated return to the starting XI. In a game in which Mason Mount will undoubtedly be on the bench, Havertz will slot in after a stint away from the pitch with COVID-19. The young German has gotten off to a slow start in the eyes of some, but there’s no doubt he’ll be an important player going forward. Havertz will be a focal point of the attack in this Champions League match.

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