Chelsea: 3 players who must start against Real Madrid

Chelsea face Spanish giants Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening. Frank Lampard will take charge of his second game as CFC coach after being named the interim manager until the end of the season as Chelsea carry out the process to name the next manager.

In Lampard’s first game, Lampard fielded his side in a 4-3-3 formation and he could stick to the same shape although he will make changes to the lineup. Chelsea are lingering around mid table in the Premier League and do not have a realistic chance of finishing in top four this season as they trail fourth placed Manchester United by 17 points with eight games to go.

In order to play Champions League next season, CFC will have to go the distance in this year’s competition and win it. The first big test is against current Champions League holders Real Madrid who are in the mood to retain the trophy and etch their names on the big-eared trophy for the 15th time. Chelsea must have a solid and full proof plan to negate Real Madrid’s attacking abilities and the presence of certain players will aid the Blues in the game.

3 Chelsea players who must start against Real Madrid

Thiago Silva

Lampard has cleared Thiago Silva and declared him fit to face Real Madrid after he suffered a ligament injury in February against Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian returned to training earlier this week and he remains in contention to start against Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is a feared forward and has netted thrice in the competition this season. Vinicius Junior has netted six goals and remains a force to be reckoned with. Silva has the experience and the technical acumen to neutralize the strengths of Benzema.

He has been Chelsea’s best centre back this season and should be brought back in the lineup to marshal the rearguard.

N’Golo Kante

The presence of N’Golo Kante could be the deciding factor for Chelsea. The midfielder started the Premier League tie against Liverpool but was left out of the match day squad for their Wolves trip. Fresh and rejuvenated, the Frenchman should be ready to start against Los Blancos.

Real Madrid’s counter attacking abilities can be checked by Kante and his presence will further allow Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic to operate aggressively and push forward.

Ben Chilwell

In recent games, Ben Chilwell provides a strong case to be adjudged as the best Chelsea player on the pitch. Yet, he was left out on the bench, only to be called as a substitute against Wolves. Lampard must bring Chilwell back to the lineup as he continues to impress with his current form.

Chilwell and Reece James could be influential in CFC getting forward and swinging in crosses from the wings. The Englishman makes decisive runs forward and gets into goalscoring positions.

Will CFC manage to win at Santiago Bernabeu?