Chelsea could be set to make nine changes to their line-up when they take on PAOK at Stamford Bridge tonight.The Blues have already qualified for the Europa League knockout rounds, but will be keen to secure top spot and rebuild their momentum after last weekend’s defeat against Tottenham.
Eden Hazard has been ruled out of the game with an ankle knock, though he should be fit for a return against Fulham on Sunday. The Belgian star has taken the Premier League by storm with Chelsea in 2018/19 so far despite suffering several injury problems. Maurizio Sari spoke of his concern about Hazard’s issues, despite the problems being relatively minor.
“I am worried because 25 days ago he had an injury, a back injury. Now the ankle,” he said.
“I think that he has lost a lot of training. So it’s normal he wouldn’t be top of his physical condition.
“One week of training and a couple of matches and he’ll be back at the best level of physical condition.”
Willian – one of just two stars set to keep their place in the team from last week – is expected to fill the Hazard role on the left wing.
Victor Moses is Sarri’s only other injury concern, meaning Pedro and Olivier Giroud will complete the attacking trio.
Ross Barkley, Cesc Fabregas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are set to start as a midfield three, with a fully-rotated defence set to be given a chance to shine in front of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Predicted Chelsea team vs PAOK
(4-3-3) Kepa; Zappacosta, Cahill, Christensen, Emerson; Loftus-Cheek, Fabregas, Barkley; Pedro, Giroud, Willian.
