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Chelsea predicted XI at Sevilla: Rotation for the UCL showdown

By Gabe Henderson

Chelsea's Italian midfielder Jorginho (L) vies with Sevilla's Brazilian midfielder Fernando during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's Italian midfielder Jorginho (L) vies with Sevilla's Brazilian midfielder Fernando during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma (L) vies with Sevilla’s Dutch forward Luuk De Jong during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma (L) vies with Sevilla’s Dutch forward Luuk De Jong during the UEFA Champions League first round Group E football match between Chelsea and Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea travels to Spain for a decisive Champions League game against Sevilla, but who will Frank Lampard trot out in order to get the win?

The fate of Group E hangs in the balance when Chelsea travels to Spain to take on Sevilla. The 0-0 draw that opened up the Champions League group stage represents the only time either side has dropped points in this competition thus far. However, that’ll change today as the two sides duel for first place in the group.

Despite the game’s high stakes, Frank Lampard was adamant in his pre-match press conference about rotation given the important domestic contests on either side of the trip to Seville. The Blues have seldom rotated since losing to Liverpool early on this season and while it has worked, the players are beginning to feel the effects. Individuals like Timo Werner, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell are definitely going to be given rest, opening the door for some squad players to get some game time. Who are the individuals Lampard trusts to take on the reigning Europa League champion and capture first place in the group?

Here is the predicted XI for the scuffle in Sevilla:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy is the only goalkeeper on the Blues’ roster who can be trusted at this point. While Lampard will presumably rotate a lot of his squad, but the man between the sticks will remain the same. The Senegalese shot stopper kept a clean sheet (is he capable of doing anything else?) the last time these two teams met and he’ll be looking to blank them once again in this one. Despite some changes in front of him, Mendy will remain the constant and provide a calmness at the back.

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Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain

Reece James put in a solid shift against Spurs, but now it’s time for the club captain to step back into the spotlight. Cesar Azpilicueta has played a lot less than many expected this season, at no fault of his own. The Spaniard is still a top tier fullback and will be more than ready to take on Sevilla. Azpilicueta is well rested and will thrive in this match as he assists in leading the back line.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger is back in Lampard’s good graces and he seems to be the best back-up choice for this bout. The German has had a few shaky moments at the back, but nothing as concerning as some of the performances he put in last season. Overall, he’s played quite well and is a nice addition to the team when Silva gets a rest. Rudiger’s fighting for his spot every week, fending off Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori, in addition to auditioning for a future starting role. Rudiger has appeared in three matches over the last month and some change, keeping clean sheets in all of them. A sign of things to come perhaps.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

It seems like every week we’re labeling a new individual in the side “Chelsea’s new Iron Man”. This is because the Blues have a key core of players who seldom miss matches; Zouma is a part of that contingent. The French centerback has risen to the top this season, taking his game to new heights and claiming a place amongst Europe’s best. He’s a commanding presence who defends with adeptness and an ability to sniff out danger. Zouma got some rest during the international break, don’t expect him to take a day off anytime soon.

Emerson (No. 33) Left back, Italy

Emerson has made three substitute appearances since October 28, fully cementing his place as Lampard’s No. 2 left back. The Brazilian born Italian international is in line to make his second start of the season after Chilwell pulled up with a knock towards the end of the Tottenham tussle. The Blues’ newest left back acquisition is the undisputed starter when healthy, but Lampard likely won’t risk an injury, despite the fact the Englishman is healthy. Therefore, expect Emerson to make his biggest start of the year in Spain.

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