Real Madrid are clear favorites in this home encounter but will still have to make sure that they do a professional job against Chelsea who are unlikely to secure a top four spot in the Premier League and depend on success in this UCL campaign to be a part of the competition next season too.
However club legend Jimmy Hasselbaink says that:
"“If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the best. It’s not going to be an easy game [vs Real Madrid], but you have to believe. We [Chelsea] have done it in the past and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.”"
The cauldron-like atmosphere of Santiago Bernabeu should ensure that the Los Blancos are fired up for the contest and the Gaffer Frank Lampard will have to ensure that his players don’t wilt in the face of such vociferous home support.
On his return to his very own club, Lampard tried to change the setup that Graham Potter used lately by switching to a back four. The squad struggled and eventually failed to take away anything from the game at the Molineux Stadium which might force CFC to return to a back three which the side is familiar with and provides much more stability.
The return of Mason Mount and the veteran Thiago Silva will definitely prove to be a massive boost to the squad. However the likes of Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Noni Madueke will be unavailable for selection after missing out on the UCL registration. Carney Chukwuemeka isn’t included in the squad travelling to Madrid. And Armando Broja is out due to his long term injury.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Real Madrid
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.
On our way 🙏🏽 #UCL #ThiagoSilva #ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/ZtYSolyIbR
— Thiago Silva (@tsilva3) April 11, 2023
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.
Right Wing back: Reece James
Reece James looks fully fit now and will be up for the challenge against the flamboyant winger Vincius Jr. who has struggled to get past the Cobham product in the past meetings. With Ferland Mendy unavailable for selection, Ancelotti will be forced to play one of his players out of position and James will be expected to exploit that weakness to its full extent.
Central Midfield: N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante made his first start in seven months last week when Bruno Saltor’s Chelsea went up against Liverpool. The world class midfielder wasn’t sluggish nor did he look rusty and was by far the best player on the pitch. Frank Lampard wisely chose to rest him on the weekend and the Frenchman should be ready to go all out and frustrate the opposition.
Frank Lampard on N'Golo Kante:
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) April 11, 2023
"He's a special player and I understand about consistency, and his difficulty with injuries. In terms of coming back and playing a high level I've witnessed it in the Super Cup final vs Liverpool years ago. He has the capacity to do that."
Central Midfield: Enzo Fernandez
The World Cup hero has continued to impress at club level. He has receiving plaudits from club legends and pundits all over the world for his top performances even when the side has been struggling. And in his press conference he seemed to be very confident quoting:
"“Afraid, we’re not afraid. There is respect because this is a football match and we know the quality they have. We will try to contract them with our defenders and have great defensive work and make a wonderful match.”"
Central Midfield: Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian International has been given the captain’s armband in the absence of Azpilicueta, Kante and Silva. There have been a few moments of brilliance but other than that Kovacic has been putting out subpar displays with a succession of poor performances. But Frank Lampard can rely on him for his work rate and ability on the ball which could help the side tremendously.
However if Mason Mount passes the fitness test and is deemed fit enough to start the game, Kovacic will be sweating over his spot in the playing XI.
Left Wing back: Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell returned from a long term injury and got back to business in fine form straightaway with his explosive runs on the left flank. However he has looked a bit shaky in the last few games and was dropped by the Gaffer on the weekend. But with Marc Cucurella the only other available option at his disposal, Ben Chilwell should be getting the nod over him as his ability commands a place in the lineup.
Striker: Raheem Sterling
The England International hasn’t been at his very best, just like every other Chelsea attacker. However the seasoned winger is too good to be dropped and his experience could be decisive in such a huge game. Also, if his fellow Englishman, Mason Mount is fit and starts the game, CFC could play with a greater flexibility switching to a 3-4-3 in possession which suits Raheem Sterling.
Striker: Joao Felix
Every manager’s loyalty towards Kai Havertz is commendable, however the patience with player’s poor form cannot be inexhaustible. And now is the time to drop him from the side for his second rate performances. The fans have had enough as the player has always struggled on the ball and now is not contributing off the ball either.
Joao Felix has not been very consistent either. But the Portuguese International has worked hard without reward and could turn up, making it count against his former rival club, Real Madrid. Felix is very familiar with the Los Blancos and will be one of the key players for the men in Blue.
Will Lampard lead his men to victory at the Santiago Bernabeu?