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Chelsea predicted XI: 3-4-2-1 to counter Atletico’s 3-5-2

By Vansh Ambashta

Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount celebrates after scoring their first goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on February 20, 2021. (Photo by Michael Steele / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MICHAEL STEELE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount celebrates after scoring their first goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Chelsea at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on February 20, 2021. (Photo by Michael Steele / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MICHAEL STEELE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea battles with Dwight McNeil of Burnley during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on January 31, 2021 in London, England. 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 Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea battles with Dwight McNeil of Burnley during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on January 31, 2021 in London, England. 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 Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

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

Callum Hudson-Odoi has been discussed a lot for the past couple of days. He was brought on at half time against Southampton and was withdrawn after 30 minutes as Tuchel wasn’t happy with his “attitude” and whatnot. While the decision was a bit strange, it is a statement of intent from Tuchel which could potentially turn things against him in the future (as seen in the case of numerous managers at Stamford Bridge). The Southampton game aside, Hudson-Odoi has been terrific in the past games. He has caused a lot of troubles for the opposition’s backline and has done well as a wingback. The game against Atletico Madrid is the ideal opportunity for the young man to put the whole incident behind him and remind everyone of what a star he is.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central Midfielder, France

Many fans have forgotten about the genius of N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman has been struggling with injuries over the past couple of seasons, however, his impact on the ball cannot be understated. Kante made his return to the starting lineup in the Premier League against Southampton. Despite the Saints’ high press, Kante managed to boss their midfield around and broke a number of attacks as he regained possession for the Blues, and this reminded everyone of the type of influence that Kante has on a game. Atletico Madrid relies on quick counter-attacks to score goals and there is no one more suited than Kante to handle this. Jorginho has been consistent with his performances but he has been exposed to the press on a number of occasions and his lack of physicality doesn’t help either. Expect Kante to start against Atletico and remind Europe of the beast that Chelsea possesses.

Next. Chelsea talking tactics: A once a decade change for Atletico Madrid. dark

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic has been in great form in the past few weeks. He has been essential in Tuchel’s system as one of the midfielders in the pivot. His ability to dribble out of tight situations has been handy against high pressing teams. The Croat has featured regularly in the Premier League and has been influential in almost every game. What makes him special is his ability to read situations and act accordingly. Some of Kovacic’s tackles while backtracking have been effective as he has managed to break the opposition’s attacks. Against Atletico, Kovacic and his dribbling will be essential as they maintain a solid defensive structure.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left Wingback, England

Ben Chilwell is still adapting to the left wingback role at Chelsea. Chilwell is more comfortable in making overlapping runs with a winger upfront. However, in the current Chelsea setup, Chilwell is usually in advanced positions when Chelsea has the ball. Marcos Alonso has been preferred by Tuchel as wingback happens to be his natural position. Against Southampton, Alonso was quite poor. Most of his crosses were wayward and he looked completely off his game. In the first half, Tuchel could be seen jumping up and down in frustration from Alonso’s gameplay. Considering Alonso’s performance against Saints, Chilwell has a good chance of starting the game against Atletico.

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