Chelsea v Borussia Dortmund: Predicted Blues XI for crucial Champions League tie

Chelsea will be looking to build on their victory over Leeds United on Saturday when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

The Blues beat The Whites 1-0 at Stamford Bridge courtesy of Wesley Fofana’s first Premier League goal for the club, and Graham Potter will be hoping that the result can kickstart a run of good form for his side.

The Champions League presents Chelsea’s only remaining opportunity for silverware this season, although they will have to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit if they are to progress.

Potter will therefore have plenty to think about ahead of the game, and here we predict the XI that he could select for visit of Dortmund.

Goalkeeper

Kepa Arrizabalaga has started all 13 of The Blues’ matches across all competitions since the World Cup, and the Spaniard is set to continue in goal for the visit of Dortmund. Edouard Mendy, who has been sidelined through injury for several weeks now, is said to be closing in on a return to first team action.

Defenders

Potter opted for a back three against Leeds on Saturday and looks likely to do so once again on Tuesday. Benoit Badiashile is unavailable having been omitted from Chelsea’s squad for the latter stages of the competition, which could allow Trevoh Chalobah a rare start.

Next to him, Kalidou Koulibaly is set to keep his place at the heart of The Blues’ back line. The Senegal international looked to have lost his starting spot a few weeks ago, but Thiago Silva’s injury has allowed him to regain his place in the side.

Fofana scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea on Saturday

On the left of the back three, Wesley Fofana looks set to start. The Frenchman has made just nine appearances for his new side since joining from Leicester City last summer, although he was named player of the match last time out against Leeds.

Midfielders

On the right, Reece James is set to return having missed out on the game against Leeds. The England international has struggled with injuries this season, but Chelsea’s form is better with him in the team and Potter will be hopeful that he is passed fit.

Enzo Fernandez is in line to start once again in midfield. The Argentina international became the most expensive player in Premier League history when he joined from Benfica last summer, and he has since impressed for his new side.

Kovacic returned to the Chelsea starting line up against Leeds

Mateo Kovacic could partner Fernandez ahead of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has found himself in favour of late. Kovacic missed Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur ten days ago but returned on Saturday and will be crucial for Potter against Dortmund. Conor Gallagher will most likely be used as a substitute, as he was against Leeds.

The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Denis Zakaria are both also likely to be named among the substitutes.

On the left, Ben Chilwell looks almost certain to maintain his place ahead of Marc Cucurella. Chilwell impressed against Leeds on Saturday, providing the assist for Fofana’s winner, and Potter will be hoping that the wing-back can continue his recent good form.

Forwards

Raheem Sterling has returned to full fitness in recent weeks and has impressed when given the opportunity. The ex-Manchester City star is one of the more experienced players in The Blues’ attack, and he will be looking to add to the two goals that he scored in the Champions League group stages earlier this season.

Sterling will be hoping to lead Chelsea into the quarter-finals of the Champions League

Through the middle, Kai Havertz looks set to continue despite his lack of goals. The German has scored just six goals all season, but Potter has stuck with him and will be hopeful that he can repay the faith he has been shown.

Joao Felix will most likely complete Chelsea’s frontline on Tuesday. The Portuguese has impressed since arriving in the capital, although he has still only scored once for his new club. The Atletico Madrid loanee could become an instant fans’ favourite if he were to score on Tuesday, though.

Predicted XI: Arrizabalaga; Chalobah, Koulibaly, Fofana; James, Fernandez, Kovacic, Chilwell; Sterling, Havertz, Felix