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Chelsea vs Porto predicted XI: Tuchel tweaks his back three

By Anthony Gatt

Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League first leg quarter final football match between FC Porto and Chelsea FC at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on April 07, 2021. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League first leg quarter final football match between FC Porto and Chelsea FC at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on April 07, 2021. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 7: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea scores the second goal to make it 0-2 Agustin Marchesin of FC Porto during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Porto v Chelsea at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on April 7, 2021 in Seville Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – APRIL 7: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea scores the second goal to make it 0-2 Agustin Marchesin of FC Porto during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Porto v Chelsea at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on April 7, 2021 in Seville Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England 

The majority of this side’s attacking scenarios start with the fullbacks overlapping the wingers and playing off them. Reece James did exactly that in the first leg and needs to do the same again, but this time with more defensive help to the back three to stop Porto getting many chances. Callum Hudson-Odoi was brilliant at the weekend, but I believe James plays the position better—that’s why I have him starting against Porto.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

I want N’Golo Kante to start Tuesday, but with news that Tuchel doubts his overall fitness, I’ve opted with Jorginho instead. I thought he was awful in the first half of the first leg, continuously being dispossessed and passing sideways. That was until he assisted Mason Mount for the opening goal. The second half was much better and against Crystal Palace, Jorginho was much improved, as well. Here’s hoping we see more of that on Tuesday. My worry is that Jorginho isn’t good while under pressure and Porto will be applying a lot of that, so let’s hope he can navigate his way out of that without causing any major mistakes.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia   

Yes, please—more Mateo Kovacic masterclasses incoming. He is consistently the Blues’ best No. 6 and plays the role flawlessly. His ability to drive the ball forward and create are amongst the best in the team. He is no slouch when it comes to defensive duels either, and will be much needed on Tuesday. Nothing more needs to be said for him as he does all of his talking on the pitch.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Ben Chilwell’s recent performances have earned him the trust of the manager and made it known that the £50 million price tag on his head was well worth it. His importance to this side cannot go unnoticed; he works hard for 90+ minutes, contributes immensely to a side for the most part lacking goals and defends much better than his left wingback counterpart. There is no reason he shouldn’t be one first names on the team sheet come Tuesday night as his performances have earned it.

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