Maurizio Sarri has gotten a big blow going into the finals at Baku with four of his senior players missing Sarri’s game of the career slash career-deciding game due to injury.
Chelsea are without four first-team players which includes their match-winner N’golo Kante. Antonio Rudiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi are the other guys to be missing the trip to Baku. All of the three were also the chief constructors of Sarri, particularly in Europa League.
Kante just managed 25 minutes of final training ahead of the finals
With all the problems considered, here’s how Sarri could dress his players on the pitch.
The possible 4-3-2-1 line-up will mastered by Sarri. Let’s start with their top-scorer of this year’s Europa League and striker Olivier Giroud who will be facing his former club, making it all interesting for the Frenchman, per se. Higuan may be good but not enough to out do Giroud.
The midfield will showcase the brilliance of Hazard alongside, either Willian or Pedro accompanying him. Callum-Hudson Odoi is not available nor is Ruben-Loftus Cheek, therefore Hazard has to step up to his A-game.
It may well be Eden Hazard’s last game in Chelsea colors with anticipated Real Madrid move this summer
Behind Hazard and Willian/Pedro we will definitely see the trio of Kovacic, Jorginho and Barkley with Jorginho in more of a defensive role and Kovacic up front. Kante is a big miss no doubt but Barkley replaces him well.
The defensive line of Chelsea may be meek just like their opponents but is fairly inexperienced. Headed by their captain Azpilicueta on the right, David Luiz and Christiansen in the centre, Emerson on the left.
The defence of Chelsea may not be experienced but the Blues also have Kepa standing tall between the goal post and high-in confidence after brilliant semi-final victory in which he played a major role.
PROBABLE XI: Kepa, Emerson, Luiz, Christiansen, Azpilecueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Barkley, Hazard, Pedro, Giroud
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