Champions League

Ziyech's first start? How Chelsea could line-up versus Sevilla

The Moroccan finally featured for the Blues off the bench at the weekend against Southampton, and could make the starting XI in the Champions League

 
9:00am on Tuesday 20th October 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Frank Lampard could hand a first start of the season to summer signing Hakim Ziyech in Chelsea's opening Champions League game of the campaign against Sevilla.

The former Ajax winger has been dogged by injury since picking up a knock in pre-season, but finally made his competitive debut for the club off the bench against Southampton in a 3-3 draw at the weekend.

Although Chelsea's problems were certainly not in offensive areas against the Saints, Lampard may opt to freshen things a bit with the introduction of the Moroccan, which could mean a place on the bench for Mason Mount.

Chelsea: Squad, FC Ratings, Matches, Formations

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Their defensive frailties were on display again at Stamford Bridge, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen recording a 5.6 FC Rating and a 5.1 FC Rating respectively in the score draw.

This could mean the reintroduction of Thiago Silva and Reece James to the starting XI versus Sevilla.

N'Golo Kante picked up an injury with France yet started the match against Southampton, so two games within a few days might prove a little too much for him. If so, Mateo Kovacic will partner Jorginho in midfield.

Edouard Mendy is still injured, which means Kepa will likely keep his place in the starting XI.

Chelsea starting XI versus Sevilla

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