Chelsea will aim to bounce back from last weekend’s humiliating defeat to Manchester City when they face Malmo in the Europa League this evening.
Maurizio Sarri’s side were blown away at the Etihad on Sunday, finding themselves four goals down inside 24 minutes before going on to lose 6-0.The Blues are in a rut and Sarri’s job hangs in the balance so victory against Malmo in the Round of 32 could have a huge impact on the Italian’s future at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea face Manchester United in the FA Cup Fifth Round on Monday followed by the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at the weekend, meaning they will be keen to protect key players during the trip to Sweden.
Sarri has been rigid with his starting XI in the Premier League but is not afraid of rotation in Europe and is expected to ring the changes tonight.
Willy Caballero should replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal while David Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri are straight swaps for Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso – who both underperformed against City.Andreas Christensen has been a regular in the Europa League and could be partnered by Gary Cahill, if the veteran centre-back is passed fit following a back injury.
N’Golo Kante may be pressed into service but Jorginho is expected to drop out, handing chances for Ethan Ampadu and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to feature. Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley may also have to be content with places on the bench while Blues fans will hope Callum Hudson-Odoi gets a run-out in attack.
The youngster was linked with a move to Bayern Munich in January but remained at Stamford Bridge and is now providing competition for Pedro and Willian on the flanks.
One of the more experienced wingers is likely to play if Eden Hazard is rested while Sarri could give Olivier Giroud a rare start over Gonzalo Higuain.
Chelsea are currently unbeaten in Europe this season and will see the competition as a way of securing Champions League football if they miss out on the Premier League top four.
