Chelsea at AC Milan: predicted Blues XI, 3-4-3 to maintain win streak?

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Silva was rested at the weekend to keep him fresh for this fixture. He has been very good this season and has arguably been our best centerback, but his age continues to be a worry. Potter deserves credit for continuing to manage his minutes to prolong his career.

Marc Cucurella (No. 32) Left centerback, Spain

Cucurella seems to be fit now and his performances suggest he’d continue to start when fit. It doesn’t help that Koulibaly has been far from impeccable so far this season.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Chilwell has also been playing well, not to mention that he was one of those rested for the Wolves game so it stands to reason that he’s in the plans for the match on Tuesday. Potter has found a way to use both Cucurella and Chilwell, though that has been at the expense of the Senegal captain, Koulibaly.

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

James was also rested for the Wolves game, though he later came on, albeit unnecessarily. CFC was in complete control against Wolves and at no point in that game did they need James on the pitch. Of course the case can also be made that Potter wanted to keep his match sharpness by playing some minutes of a competitive game before the return leg of the AC Milan tie.