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Chelsea predicted XI for Juventus: Return to 3-4-3 with who is available

By Vansh Ambashta

Chelsea's Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Super Cup football match between Chelsea and Villarreal at Windsor Park in Belfast on August 11, 2021. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Super Cup football match between Chelsea and Villarreal at Windsor Park in Belfast on August 11, 2021. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Chelsea is juggling a few injury issues at the moment, on top of N’Golo Kante having Covid and several players being out of form. The loss to Manchester City could be an eye opener as the Blues need to quickly rebound against Juventus in the Champions League. This could well be the difference between first and second in the group, so who lines up in a 3-4-3 this time around?

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

If Edouard Mendy is fit, he starts, as simple as that. Edouard Mendy was massive against Manchester City, and he was one of the reasons behind the fact that the Blues conceded only one goal. He kept his side in the game for as long as he could, and it took a lucky deflected shot from Gabriel Jesus to beat him. Chelsea will need Mendy to be at the top of the game as they aim to return home with three points against Juventus.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Right centerback, Denmark

Andreas Christensen has quietly worked his way into the backline, and he is now one of the first names on the team sheet. What is attractive about the Dane is that he calmly goes about his business and doesn’t look to get into random street fights. As most reports suggest, he will soon sign his new contract, and no one deserves it more! Juventus has a talented squad, and the likes of Federico Bernadeschi and Federico Chiesa can cause a lot of trouble on their given day.

Christensen will have to be alert at all times, and he will have to make the call between getting pulled out to make a tackle or holding his position. He found himself in the same situation couple of times against City, and he will have to be very careful with his decision making. Expect Christensen to deliver another strong performance against the Old Lady.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thomas Tuchel is fortunate to have a player like Thiago Silva around who can step into any situation and get things under control. The Brazilian was called up in the first half against Manchester City due to Reece James’ unfortunate injury, and he asserted his dominance the moment he came on. With timed interceptions and tackles, Silva has molded his game to suit his strengths and cover for his weaknesses. With James injured for a while, Silva could feature regularly, and the Blues will need his experience and leadership in the tough fixture against Juventus.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger is playing the best football of his career at the moment. He is definitely one the best centerbacks in the Premier League at the moment, and nothing can stop him in the current system. Rudiger has been performing week in, week out on the pitch despite the contract saga stretching out behind the scenes. Chelsea will need the German just to do what he has been doing for the past eight months and be a rock at the back. Expect a commanding performance from Rudiger and maybe even a couple of dangerous runs from the back.

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