How Tuchel's Side Could Line-up When Chelsea Battle Atletico Madrid Without 4 Important Stars
- Thomas Tuchel might decide to employ a 3-4-3 formation when Chelsea take on Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge
- Thiago Silva, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, and Jorginho are all unavailable for the crucial encounter
- Mateo Kovacic could step in for Jorginho while Hudson-Odoi could also make a return to the fold
- The Blues take a 1-0 advantage into the clash, thanks to Olivier Giroud's spectacular trademark goal from the first leg
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Thomas Tuchel has a number of tactical decisions to make as Chelsea prepare to take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, March 17.
The match comes at a time the Blues are in line to miss several key players through suspensions and injuries.
Both Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham are expected not to feature in the crucial match, with the pair understood to be on the treatment table with injuries.
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Midfield duo Jorginho and Mason Mount are also out of contention for a place in the team as they are currently suspended.
Source: UGC
Speaking during his pre-match conference, Tuchel conceded the absence of Mount is a blow to his team, underscoring the midfielder's pivotal role in the squad.
However, despite the development, the German still has a squad depth strong enough to get the job done in London.
Chelsea's possible starting XI vs Atletico:
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
Defenders: Christensen, Azpilicueta, Rudiger
Midfielders: Hudson-Odoi, Kante, Alonso, Kovacic
Forwards: Ziyech, Werner, Giroud
Edouard Mendy is sure to start between the sticks, with Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta proving cover in a backline of three.
The well-rested Mateo Kovacic is set to start in midfield in the absence of Jorginho, partnering with the versatile N'Golo Kante and Marcos Alonso in the engine room.
Olivier Giroud, who was the match hero from the first leg will certainly hope to return to the fold, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to feature in the wing-back role.
Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner are both set to form part of Chelsea's star-studded attack line as Giroud leads the goal hunt.
The Blues head into the showdown with a 1-0 advantage picked in the reverse tie played in Romania towards the end of February.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Thomas Tuchel is set to miss the services of up to four key Chelsea players when his wards take on Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 fixture.
The Blues head into the Wednesday night, March 17, clash with a 1-0 away goal advantage secured in the reverse tie played at Arena Națională in Romania.
Olivier Giroud scored the all-important goal in that meeting and will be looking to find his scoring boots once again to steer his side to the quarter-finals.
Oluwatomiwa is a sports editor with Legit.ng. He has over eight years of field and office experience in the media industry. He graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 2014 with HND in Mass Communication. Connect with him on Twitter @TomiwaBabalola.
Source: Legit.ng
