MX23RW : Saturday, November 14 12:40:08| >> :60:868:868:

How Chelsea could line up against Malmo

Ahead of the Europa League last-32 second leg between Chelsea and Malmo, Sports Mole looks at how the Blues could line up.

Maurizio Sarri knows that a positive response is required on Thursday night when Chelsea welcome Malmo to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

The Blues were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Monday evening and must now pick themselves up for this return match with Malmo, which they lead 2-1 from the opening 90 minutes last week.

Chelsea boss Sarri is under huge pressure following a poor run of results, but he is unlikely to completely overhaul his squad for this European clash, despite it coming just a few days before the EFL Cup final with Manchester City.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the hosts may line up for Thursday's clash in West London.


Possible CHE XI vs. MAL

Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee)
Doubtful: Gary Cahill (back), Danny Drinkwater (calf), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (back)

> Click here for the latest Chelsea injury and suspension news

Despite coming under fire from a large section of Chelsea supporters for his tactics and playing style, which is clearly not working, Sarri seems unlikely to change anything ahead of Sunday's showdown with Man City.

That could mean the Blues fielding the same XI that started against Man United in the final at Wembley, so this is a good opportunity to give certain key men - Eden Hazard and Antonio Rudiger, to name just two - a breather.

With the last-32 tie still in the balance, though, Chelsea cannot afford to make mass changes. Olivier Giroud was used through the middle in the first leg and scored what proved to be the winner, so after his rest against United he should come back in.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is also in contention for a recall on the left of the front three, with Willian - who has two goals and three assists in the Europa League this term - an option on the right.

Loftus-Cheek remains doubtful with a back injury, meanwhile, and Cahill and Drinkwater are also expected to miss out, though neither were likely to play a part anyway.

ID:350821:cQx

Who will progress through to the last 16 of the Europa League?

Chelsea
Malmo
Chelsea
100%
Malmo
0.0%
16
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek in action during a pre-season friendly with Lyon in August 2018
Read Next:
Chelsea injury and suspension list vs. Malmo
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Nations League
Nations League
Nations League
World Cup Qualifying - South America
League One
League Two
National League
National League North
National League South
Scottish League Cup
Finnish Veikkausliiga Playoffs
NIFL Premiership
Welsh Premier League
Segunda Division
Serie B
Eerste Divisie
Brasileiro
Copa de la Liga Profesional
Uruguayan Primera Division
J1 League
International Friendlies
Women's Super League
Autumn Nations Cup
Rugby Championship
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester8602189918
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs85211991017
3Liverpool85211816217
4Southampton85121612416
5Chelsea843120101015
6Aston Villa7502189915
7Everton84131614213
8Crystal Palace84131212013
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves841389-113
10Manchester CityMan City7331109112
11Arsenal8404910-112
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham83231410411
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle83231013-311
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd73131214-210
15Leeds UnitedLeeds83141417-310
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton81341114-36
17Fulham8116715-84
18West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom8035617-113
19Burnley7025312-92
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd8017414-101

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!