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Chelsea predicted XI at Sevilla: Rotation for the UCL showdown

By Gabe Henderson

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)
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) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Sevilla at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Callum Hudson-Odoi (No. 20) Right winger, England

Callum Hudson-Odoi found himself out of the squad all together against Tottenham after scoring against Rennes a few days prior. The young Englishman has struggled for starts, but Lampard confirmed his inclusion against Sevilla. It finally seems as if Hudson-Odoi is beginning to turn the corner and earn some legitimate minutes in the team as opposed to garbage time toward the end of matches.

He’ll get another big chance to shine in Spain when he’s tasked with breaking down Sevilla’s compact defense. Luckily, he’ll likely have target man Olivier Giroud getting on the end of his deliveries. Hudson-Odoi will be able to focus solely on attacking with Azpilicueta providing cover in behind. It’s another great opportunity for the youngster, will he seize the moment?

Olivier Giroud (No. 18) Striker, France

Tammy Abraham found good positions against Spurs, but largely struggled in the finishing department. He received multiple inch-perfect passes and for whatever reason, simply couldn’t get a good foot in. He’s set up for a break as last week’s match winner in France eagerly awaits his opportunity. Giroud hasn’t had many chances to prove his worth this season, playing only 189 minutes across all competitions.

The ineffectiveness and overworking of the forwards, combined with the fact the Blues have already clinched their place in the Round of 16, will see the Frenchman get a run out against Sevilla. Giroud brings precision and power into the side, both in his hold-up play and finishing ability. He does nothing to offer pace, but you’d be hard pressed to find a target man better than the 34-year-old. Giroud will complement the speed of the wide players perfectly.

Christian Pulisic (No. 10) Left winger, United States

Christian Pulisic is—like Havertz—set up to make his first team return in Spain. He pulled up in the pre-match warmups at Burnley with a hamstring injury and has been out of the starting side since. The American returned to action against Spurs, but only got a few minutes off the bench. He’ll get the nod alongside Giroud, a duo that stirred up trouble for opposing defenses a lot last season.

Next. Talking tactics for Chelsea's Champions League decider at Sevilla. dark

Who do you think should be a part of Chelsea’s starting XI in Sevilla? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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