Chelsea predicted XI vs Man City in the UEFA Champions League final

Chelsea travels to Porto to take on Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday. The Blues will look to extend their win streak against the Citizens to three games after winning in the Premier League and FA Cup semifinals in recent weeks. Thomas Tuchel’s men have hit a roadblock lately, but there is no doubt they will be up for the biggest game in club football.

Here is who The Pride of London believes Tuchel will choose to avoid a second consecutive defeat in the Champions League final:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

It has taken Edouard Mendy five years to come from unemployment and enter the grandest stage of football. The man that once contemplated quitting football will guard Chelsea’s net in the biggest game in club football. Mendy’s journey is nothing short of inspirational, and he deserves to savour this moment more than anyone else. He will enter the pitch as Chelsea’s undisputed No. 1, having rescued his team on numerous occasions throughout the season. Pep Guardiola’s men have been on fire, but Mendy’s intimidating presence should give the Blues an added advantage in the box. Expect Mendy to put in another elite performance in the biggest match of his career.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Centerback, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta has been such a loyal player to the club. He has been an absolute wall throughout the campaign, and his positional versatility has helped Chelsea enormously. The Spaniard has performed in every game, regardless of position or opposition. In a game of such magnitude, experience and composure will be essential for Chelsea’s defence. While recent performances have been inconsistent, the Blues will need to focus hard as City’s forwards tend to run past defenders. While Azpilicueta has started in the wingback role in the past few games, he has to start as a centerback against City. The back line needs his game awareness, and he needs to be part of the back three to prevent the likes of Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden from scoring.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

For several Chelsea players, the final against Manchester City will be the biggest game of their careers. However, there is a man that has ice in his veins and has seen it all. The Blues are fortunate enough to have a player like Silva in the squad. His leadership and experience will be critical in such a high profile game. Like Azpilicueta, Silva has adapted his game and now relies upon his game awareness to read forwards. We have seen him win challenges against the best of forwards this season, and he can lead Chelsea to the title on Saturday.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

Ever since Tuchel’s appointment, Antonio Rudiger has been an absolute treat to watch. He has been one of Chelsea’s best performers and has been solid at the back. What is even more interesting is that his presence has brought a bit of character to the side, as he doesn’t shy away from confronting his opponents. Although, he will have to keep that side of his personality reserved for very particular moments in the final. His link-up with Ben Chilwell will be crucial as Chelsea will probably attempt to play out from its half to beat City’s press.