Chelsea vs Zenit predicted XI: CL-winning 3-4-2-1 to defend title

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right winger, Morocco

Hakim Ziyech’s work rate was through the roof against Aston Villa. He created just two chances but did much more than that. He made the second most pressures (17), only bettered by Kovacic (21). He also made four clearances, two interceptions and three tackles. His work rate is reflected in how much he got dribbled past (six times). He did make three shot-creating actions (second best for the Blues), four progressive passes (second best for Chelsea) and had eight progressive carries (best for the Blues). The match was more important for Ziyech’s fitness, as it’s his first full match in a while.

Romelu Lukaku (No. 9) Striker, Belgium

This is a golden opportunity for Romelu Lukaku to continue his red hot form and stack up his goal tally, especially in a competition of this magnitude. Lukaku has shown that if he gets chances, he will score. He already leads the Premier League scoring chart for the Blues in the league, despite missing the first game. If his first few matches are any indication, his time at Chelsea will be extremely productive indeed.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Left winger, England

Mason Mount was rested and didn’t feature against Aston Villa. His ball carrying was missed. Chelsea found it difficult involving its front men often, though Mount may not particularly help with that. Regardless, he is key to how Tuchel wants the Blues to play and he rightly starts when fit. The open play assists argument around him is more about end product rather than creativity. Assists are assists. He does need to improve his decision making though.

Who do you want to see in Tuchel’s starting XI for the beginning of the Blues’ UCL defense? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!