Chelsea have four stars who may be dropped for Real Madrid match after Brentford’s mauling
Several Chelsea players face exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup when Real Madrid visits Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
Brentford thrashed Chelsea 4-1 on their home ground this weekend, with far too many of the hosts’ stars failing to show up.
The Blues battled to maintain 70% possession and five shots on target in the first half.
However, only three minutes into the second half, Antonio Rudiger broke the deadlock with a piece of brilliance, sending in a 30-yeard cannon to apparently set up another win.
Nobody could have foreseen what happened next, as a Vitaly Janelt brace and Christian Eriksen’s first goal for Brentford placed the visitors 3-1 up just 12 minutes later, startling Tuchel’s side.
Youane Wissa added a fourth in the final minutes, compounding the sorrow of the worst possible prelude to Wednesday’s titanic game.
Tuchel may make adjustments next time out after seeing far too many subpar performances against Brentford.
Sports Dias has identified four Chelsea players who will most likely lose their places in the German team when Real Madrid visits.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea will almost certainly resort to a three-at-the-back formation against Real Madrid, which might jeopardize captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s position.
Reece James returned from injury as a substitute against Brentford and is expected to start against the La Liga leaders.
Tuchel may select for Andreas Christensen or Malang Sarr in the back three, given the pace at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal in attack.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Even if he had played the best game of his career against Brentford, Ruben Loftus-starting Cheek’s spot against Real Madrid would have been in doubt as Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic sat on the bench.
He wasn’t horrible against Thomas Frank’s team and played the complete 90 minutes, but Tuchel will rely on his veterans.
Mason Mount
If Tuchel returns to his favored 3-4-3 formation, there will be no room for three central midfielders.
Mount failed to convert any of his eight attempted crosses or four aerial duels against Brentford and, like Loftus-Cheek, might be traded for a more defensive-minded player.
Timo Werner
Timo Werner was given the opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot on Saturday, but he did not take it.
Tuchel will not trust him to make an impact against Los Blancos after he failed on both of his dribbling efforts and won none of his five ground duels.
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Chelsea have four stars who may be dropped for Real Madrid match after Brentford’s mauling
