Chelsea predicted lineup vs Dortmund: Reece James returns, Mudryk on the bench in 3-4-3

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Edouard Mendy is not expected to return to action at least until April. That leaves the Spaniard with minimal competition for his spot on the team sheet. Irrespective of all of this, he has been decent and deserves to start in goal.

Right Centre Back: Wesley Fofana

Ever since his return from his long term injury, Fofana has been by far one of Chelsea’s best defenders. The Frenchman has done well to defend and cover large spaces with his blistering pace. And his acrobatics also helped him to add to CFC’s scattering goal tally. Speaking to BBC, the England legend Gary Lineker eulogized the France U21 international saying

"“I said to some friends of mine who support Chelsea: you don’t know how good this kid is yet. He’s been injured the whole time there basically. But he’s a very special player.”"

Centre back: Kalidou Koulibaly

The Senegalese skipper has struggled for most parts of this season. However he has stepped up in the last few games, and in the absence of the veteran, Koulibaly took control of the defence and ensured that the Blues keep a clean sheet. His presence on the field will be crucial as the Blues have a very young squad and need leaders around.

Left Centre Back: Marc Cucurella

Majority of the fanbase would expect Trevoh Chalobah to come in and replace the unregistered Benoit Badiashile. But that would lead to a switch in places, moving Koulibaly to the left. Although that is a possibility, Potter will hesitate in doing so as the Senegalese International looked at easy in the center and overall the defence looked organised.