The Chelsea lineup that should start against Atletico Madrid

The Chelsea lineup that should start against Atletico Madrid

 

Tuchel faces a big test to keep his unbeaten run alive | Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images© Provided by 90min Thomas Tuchel faces a big test to keep his unbeaten run alive | Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, determined to go one step further for the first time in seven years.

The Blues remain unbeaten since Thomas Tuchel's arrival and were successful in breaking through a defensive Atletico side in the first leg to earn an away goal advantage.

That lead is huge heading into the Stamford Bridge clash and Chelsea must make good on it and ensure they progress. A goalless draw against Leeds at the weekend should help in provoking a response from Tuchel's side.

Here's who could start in order to get the job done.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Kept Chelsea unbeaten against Leeds by earning a fine clean sheet, and will likely face a busy game against Los Rojiblancos.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - Captain, leader, legend. Azpilicueta has been solid in a back three and keeps his place in a huge game.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - Looks reborn under Tuchel in the back three and doesn't deserve to be dropped despite Thiago Silva's return to fitness.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Rudiger completes an unchanged and ever-reliable defence for Chelsea.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

© Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Jorginho is suspended; a big chance for Kovacic | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Reece James (RWB) - Provides incredible attacking thrust while also fulfilling his defensive duties competently. James is set for a busy night.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Confirmed to start by Tuchel with Jorginho out due to suspension.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - Kante's positioning and flawless tackling is going to be nothing short of vital for Chelsea if they want to see themselves through to the next round. First name on the team sheet for this one.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - The undisputed champion of wing-back formations. Where there's a left wing-back role, there's a Marcos Alonso raring to go.

3. Forwards

© Stefan Constantin/MB Media/Getty Images What a finish | Stefan Constantin/MB Media/Getty Images

Callum Hudson-Odoi (RF) - With Mason Mount suspended too, starting Hudson-Odoi further forward gives him more freedom to run at Atletico's defenders and puts less pressure on him to perform defensive duties.

Olivier Giroud (ST) - Scored the winner in the first leg and absolutely loves a big game. Giroud is a must for Chelsea in a clash like this.

Timo Werner (LF) - With Atletico resigned to committing men forward if they wish to win the game, Werner could enjoy some good fortune on the break with his turn of pace