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Chelsea’s probable lineup vs BATE Borisov: first start for young winger

By Karl Harrington

Chelsea's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Group L football match between Chelsea and Bate Borisov at Stamford Bridge in London on October 25, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Group L football match between Chelsea and Bate Borisov at Stamford Bridge in London on October 25, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /
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RB: Davide Zappacosta

Zappacosta had an excellent game against BATE two weeks ago. He was disciplined in defense and got forward well – assisting Loftus Cheek’s first goal after just two minutes.

The Italian impressed again in the League Cup and registered another assist – albeit via a wicked deflection off a Derby defender. Overall, he is the most in form player in Chelsea’s second string back line.

Some extra motivation for the Italian is the poor form of Cesar Azpilicueta.  Another good performance from Zappacosta and he would edge slightly closer to usurping the Spaniard in the pecking order.

LB: Emerson Palmieri

The ex-Roma man has spent most of his time at Stamford Bridge in the shadows. He has rarely featured since his arrival at the beginning of last campaign and a couple of recent outings highlighted why.

The defender let Alexei Rios sneak in behind him for BATE’s goal two weeks ago – the first Chelsea had conceded in the tournament – and he was again disappointing against Derby County.

Positionally he looks a liability and is currently miles behind Marcos Alonso in the Chelsea hierarchy.

CB: Gary Cahill

The veteran Englishman will slot back into the side. He had little to do against BATE two weeks ago but was disappointing in the League Cup. He must take it upon himself to ensure the ancillary back line make a better account of themselves on this occasion.

CB: Andreas Christensen

The Dane didn’t have a great game in a porous back line against Derby. He was subsequently subbed off for David Luiz after about an hour. Not in favor with the new manager and will have to do a lot more in fleeting appearances to force his way back into the side.

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