Gilmour and Havertz to start, Strongest Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-3-3) vs Krasnodar
Chelsea set to host Krasnodar in the final group stage clash of the Champions League.
However, The Blues are already through to the round of 16 with the top spot and manager Frank Lampard has the opportunity to make wholesale changes for tonight’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
Formation: 4-3-3
Team news: Lampard had already confirmed that Edouard Mendy will be rested for the midweek clash with Kepa Arrizabalaga replacing him in goal.
In the defence, a complete reshuffle is expected. Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson should replace Reece James and Ben Chilwell in the right and left-back positions respectively.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are the likely contenders to start in the central defence ahead of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma, who should be rested.
In the centre of the park, Billy Gilmour should take up the holding midfield role with N’Golo Kante getting a rest. Alongside him, there could be starts for Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, who has dropped down the selection order in recent weeks.
Kai Havertz could not made a significant impact against Leeds United and he could be handed another start in a more attacking position on the right wing. The German will need more games to find his touch after being sidelined with COVID-19 last month.
Elsewhere, Timo Werner should get another start on the left side of the attack with Tammy Abraham leading the line. Both players are in need of goals after misfiring in recent Premier League matches.
Strongest Predicted Chelsea line-up (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Emerson; Billy Gilmour, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic; Kai Havertz, Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner