Chelsea vs Porto predicted XI: Tuchel tweaks his back three

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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) /

Mason Mount (No. 19) Right winger, England

Big games are for big players—that is exactly what Mason Mount is: a big time player. His Man of the Match performance in the first leg continued the trend of him being the most important player to this side throughout the season. For this game, the reliance will be more on his effort and desire for the badge rather than scoring goals and assisting. While this can be said for the entire team, it simply means more with the future captain. Obviously, if chances arise then by all means, Mount should take them, but this will take a team effort. Mount will put it all on the line for his boyhood club on the night, there’s no doubt about it.

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Center forward, Germany

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” This should be the tagline for Tuchel’s team selection on Tuesday. Kai Havertz was incredible against Crystal Palace and his quality was finally rewarded with a goal and assist. I see no reason why the German doesn’t keep his place in the team. Some may call for Olivier Giroud to start due to his experience, but from what we’ve seen at the weekend from Havertz, it makes no sense to drop him. The confidence he gained of the back of that performance makes me very intrigued to see how he performs in Seville during the second leg.

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

Christian Pulisic’s form as of late has been undeniable and he absolutely deserves to get a spot in the starting XI versus Porto over Timo Werner. This is not simply something Werner can play his way out of, and he more or less is becoming a hindrance to this side in the attacking third. The complete opposite can be said for Pulisic, who has three goals in the last two Premier League games. The American looks so confident on the ball with no fear to drive it forward and create chances. Putting this game to bed early on will really calm down the entire side and No. 10 has the best chance to do that due to his goal scoring form as of late. Hopefully Tuchel will feel the same way.

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Who do you think makes the starting XI on Tuesday? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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