Thomas Tuchel reshuffles his defensive core as a strong-looking XI on paper for Chelsea takes on FC Porto in the first of the two-legged last eight meeting in the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues were most recently involved in the shock 5-2 defeat to West Brom in Premier League action over the last weekend and the upcoming fixture presents itself to be an opportunity for Tuchel’s men to return to winning ways.
Thiago Silva and Marcos Alonso drop out of the XI
After enduring a horrid showing at the back last time around which culminated in his sending off the veteran central defender Silva is replaced by Andres Christensen with the Denmark international partnering Antonio Rudiger in the heart of the backline.
Marcos Alonso also drops out of the Chelsea defence with Ben Chilwell taking the Spaniard’s spot at the left wing-back spot.
Tuchel retains his faith in Timo Werner
Timo Werner remains the Chelsea gaffer’s first-choice option upfront in spite of the German’s long-lasting troubles in front of the goal.
Tuchel has opted against bringing in the much-experienced name of Olivier Giroud who features once again on the bench alongside the returning Tamy Abraham who had gone missing from the teamsheet in recent weeks owing to a persistent ankle injury.
Here is how both sides lineup for the upcoming Champions League fixture:
FC Porto XI
β½π βππππ ππ πβπβππΈπβ½#FCPorto #FCPCFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/L45J1UVWB3
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) April 7, 2021
Chelsea XI
Chelsea team news is in! π€#PORCHE pic.twitter.com/lIdSQjCSSv
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 7, 2021
