Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League this Tuesday night in the Spanish capital with Thomas Tuchel’s men set for a stern test away from home.
The Blues most recently stepped out on the London Stadium pitch in the derby clash against West Ham United which finished 1-0 in favour of the west Londoners thanks to a Timo Werner first-half strike.
Let us look at how Tuchel may set up his side at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium-
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Eduoard Mendy is expected to assume his usual role between the sticks as his first-team spot remains unrivalled by Kepa despite the latter being given a couple of rare outings in recent weeks.
Tuchel would be convinced of fielding an unchanged backline from the West win victory with Thiago Silva and Andres Christensen both returning with great showings alongside Antonio Rudiger.
One change that could be on the cards is Reece James’ recall into the XI with Cesar Azpilicuetta likely to make way for the young England international to fill in at the right wing-back spot.
With Mateo Kovacic not expected to return in time from his injury heading into the midweek contest in Madrid, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho remain the first-choice pairing in the centre of the park.
