Chelsea predicted XI vs Real Madrid: Thiago Silva starts, Havertz dropped

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

Arrizabalaga has been unlucky in the last few games and has struggled to keep clean sheets. And with the Senegalese International returning to training, the Spaniard will have to pull up his socks to keep his spot between the sticks intact.

Right Centre back: Wesley Fofana

After returning from his injury, Fofana didn’t take long to become one of the fans’ favorites. The young Frenchman has been very consistent and has displayed his class every time he has stepped on the pitch. And now with Vinicius Jr. running towards him, Fofana’s performance could prove to be decisive.

Centre back: Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva has been out with an injury for a while now, but he has returned to training and at the perfect time. Chelsea were struggling in attack, but their defence was solid. However, since his injury, the west Londoners have only managed to keep two clean sheets in the last eight Premier League games. This calls for the return of the man himself, Thiago Silva, to get back into the squad and organise the defence against a potent Real Madrid attack.

Left Centre back: Kalidou Koulibaly

The Senegalese skipper stepped up in the absence of Thiago Silva and gave it his all. He put his poor form behind him and gave the Chels’ faithful glimpses of the player the signed from Napoli. However he lacked support from his colleagues, the left side of the defence proving to a liability most of times. Marc Cucurella has been found in no mans land very often leaving the defence exposed which is another reason why Silva inclusion in the Starting XI is a necessity.