Chelsea predicted XI vs Real Madrid: Mount starts, Sterling dropped

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu last week as underdogs with every chance of taking away something from the game. However they lacked that little bit of luck required to pull off an upset as they were eventually beaten 2-0 by the home team in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter finals.

On his return, club legend Frank Lampard has managed to lose all of his games and has all the odds stacked against him going into the second leg. The match has been labelled as ‘now or never’ for CFC as elimination from the competition would indirectly mean elimination from next year’s UCL too, as the Blues find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table with only seven games left.

The Chels’ faithful can definitely hope for a better performance from the defence this time around who played the first leg with a relatively cautious approach to escape suspension from the second leg with multiple players carrying a yellow already. Wesley Fofana was one of the few players who started the game with a clean slate but he too went on to pick up an early yellow card which eventually helped Vinicius Jr. who took full advantage of the situation.

Real Madrid have the upper hand after having won the first leg at home and will be looking to try to cement their place in the Semi Finals of the competition as soon as possible. The west Londoners on the other hand will have to restrict the Los Blancos’ potent attack and simultaneously try and get that early goal which will bring them back into this tie.

Chelsea predicted XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga

After captaining the side on the weekend, the Spaniard now has another massive task at hand. In spite of failing to secure points, Arrizabalaga made some outstanding saves and tried to keep CFC in the game. Also with Edouard Mendy still recovering from his injury, Arrizabalaga will obviously be starting between the sticks.

Right Back: Reece James

World class right back Reece James has struggled to play to his full potential after his return from injuries. And the danger of missing the second leg due to suspension, restricted his performance all the more which proved to be decisive at the end of the 90. However, James will have to put everything behind him and give it his all at the Bridge as his side needs him now more than ever.

Centre Back: Wesley Fofana

With Kalidou Koulibaly unavailable, Fofana has to contribute even more and support the veteran alongside. The Frenchman is usually a very reliable candidate at the back, but he did suffer against the flamboyant Vinicius Jr. and will want to come back stronger and make a statement for the team and for himself. He calls for his teammates to replicate the 2021 run saying,

"“Chelsea have already done it after a difficult season with a new coach. They won it in 2021. So I think it’s possible; it’s in the club’s DNA. We’ve had a bad season; we know that. Now it’s up to us to show what we’re capable of. There is quality in this squad.” Mirror"

Centre Back: Thiago Silva

Silva returned from injury after weeks and was thrown into the starting XI against Real Madrid straight away. And obviously, the Brazilian did not disappoint. The Gaffer rested him on the weekend as they’re aware of the responsibility that the 38 year old will be carrying with Kalidou Koulibaly and Ben Chilwell absent. The Madrid attack will be asking many more questions and Silva will have to ensure that he organizes his defence well.

Left Back: Marc Cucurella

Ben Chilwell’s suspension leaves CFC with two options to field as Left back, Marc Cucurella and Cesar Azpilicueta. Although there are fans who are convinced that the skipper should get the nod over Cucurella who has been rather unreliable with his positioning and awareness which leaves the defence exposed, which was arguably a reason for Chilwell’s sending off too. But should Ancelotti throw Rodrygo on the right flank, Azpi would struggle to match his pace, and match sharpness could also be an issue.

Central midfield: N’Golo Kante

The world class midfielder has not taken long to find match sharpness, putting in top performances straight away. Chelsea will rely on him heavily to battle it out in midfield and get the ball to our attackers who will hopefully make good use of it in this leg.

Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez has been a key figure in this team since joining in January. He will hope to find his his attackers making those runs in behind Madrid’s high defensive line and make chances count. The Argentine will also have to contribute enormously to the defence, in the absence of key players.

Central Midfield: Conor Gallagher

Mateo Kovacic who has been very underwhelming over the last month has to be dropped and Conor Gallagher seems to be up for the challenge. The hard working midfielder is one of the very few players who display passion and willingness to fight for the badge. Gallagher’s work ethic could be a massive boost to this Chelsea side helping to win the ball back and generate counter attacks quickly. The English International also has goals in him and after finding the back of the net on the weekend, he will be motivated to add to his tally.

Right wing: Mason Mount

The Cobham product, Mason Mount, who won consecutive player of the season awards at Chelsea and who was arguably one of the most reliable players at the club has had a disastrous season. From poor performances to injuries, all of it worked against him. And now, the English International has reached a point where his future at the club seems uncertain. However Mount is back from injury and Lampard has managed his game time very well, reintegrating him into the squad gradually. Mount looked comparatively bright and did threaten the opposition defences in the last two games, which includes the late shot at the Santiago Bernabeu which almost reduced the deficit in the dying minutes of the game. On passing fitness tests, Mount should be named in the Starting XI.

Left wing: Mykhailo Mudryk

The 22 year old completed his first 90 for the club since joining in January and has finally started to pick up form. He played with much more bravery taking on players using his quick feet and also picked up an assist. The Ukrainian International faced Real Madrid earlier this season with Shaktar Donetsk and enjoyed success. Also with the likes of experienced players like Raheem Sterling and Hakim Ziyech dropping horrendous performances game after game, it is time for Frank Lampard to unleash the young speedster who could prove to be crucial on the left flank against Dani Carvajal.

Striker: Christian Pulisic

With Joao Felix non existent in the last few games and Kai Havertz being himself with additional injury concerns, the Blues could field the USMNT skipper, Christian Pulisic. Pulisic is brave on the ball and does not hesitate when it comes to putting his body on the line. Also his dibbling in tight areas and ability to draw fouls could help Chelsea to attack and challenge the Real Madrid defence, something that we clearly lacked in the first leg.

Will Chelsea manage to over turn the two goal deficit and progress to the next round?