Predicted XI

Thiago Silva to return? How Chelsea could line up against Porto

The Brazilian served a suspension in the Premier League over the weekend but is available to return in the Champions League

 
9:39am on Monday 12th April 2021
By
Martin Macdonald

Chelsea will have Thiago Silva available for selection again for this week's Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with Porto.

A couple of weeks ago the former Paris Saint-Germain defender was sent off against West Brom as the Blues were destroyed 5-2 at home to West Brom. Following that, he served his suspension against Crystal Palace.

Sandwiched in between those two Premier League games was the first leg against Porto in which he didn't feature, but with Thomas Tuchel's men leading 2-0 heading into the second leg, it is a good opportunity to introduce Silva back into the starting XI.

Tuchel is lucky enough to have a fully fit squad at his disposal, but knowing his tendency to chop and change things in his tenure so far, that could present him with a few headaches, albeit welcomed ones.

Edouard Mendy will start in goal potentially behind a back three off Cesar Azpilicueta, Silva, and Antonio Rudiger, with Kurt Zouma dropping out from the weekend.

N'Golo Kante is pushing for a start, and could feature in midfield in place of Mateo Kovacic.

There could be a couple of switches in the wing-back spots with Reece James and Marcos Alonso coming back into the starting XI in place of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell.

Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Christian Pulisic were all excellent in the weekend win against Crystal Palace, so could we finally see an unchanged front three from Tuchel game to game?

Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham will, of course, all be wanting a start too.

Chelsea predicted XI against Porto

Latest news

FC

What Footballers Get Up to in Australia – Pre- Season Tours and Hobbies

Travel is part of life for footballers, and commercial opportunities have taken plenty of teams to the land down under

  • 1 month
FC

Saudi Arabia's Chase For Liverpool's Salah Might Not Be Over Yet

With the emergence of the Saudi Pro League this summer and the huge spending spree their clubs went on

  • 3 months
Manchester City

Manchester City’s UEFA Shot: What You Need to Know

It’s important to keep your friends close—And enemies closer, and it's true for Manchester City at the moment

  • 3 months

Top 5 Premier League Managerial Meltdowns

A showcase of the top five most infamous managerial meltdowns from the Premier League.

  • 3 months

Analyzing Team Form and Performance for Betting Success

A look at the key elements in analyzing team performance and form to help in sports betting.

  • 3 months
World Cup

Nike Women's World Cup Clothing Now Available

Nike Women's World Cup Clothing Now Available

  • 4 months

Most read