With the group already won Chelsea will stroll into Stamford Bridge for this game with Dinamo Zagreb without any expectations on their shoulders. One major question is what will be the Chelsea lineup for a game with no stakes?
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Dinamo Zagreb in Final Group Stage Game
How Chelsea Have Lined-Up Recently
Recent games have seen Graham Potter experiment with his team selection constantly, to varying degrees of success. The defensive area has remained pretty steadfast with Kepa Arizabalaga in goal and the trio of Marc Cucurella, Thiago Silva, and Trevoh Chalobah in front.
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Beyond that is anyone’s guess with Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic recently put out as deep-lying wingers while Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, and Connor Gallagher battle it out for midfield minutes.
Chelsea’s Recent Form and Tactics
There is some more head-scratching to be done here. In their weekend embarrassment against Brighton & Hove Albion, the home side set out in what was almost a 3-3-2-2 that was torn to shreds. A similar set-up was used in their last Champions League game, a 2-1 win over RB Salzburg.
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Form-wise, it’s a tale of two competitions. The club has been in fine form in the Champions League but have not picked up a win in their last three Premier League games.
Chelsea Injuries to Consider
Long-term absentees Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and N’Golo Kante remain sidelined. Potter’s first-choice goalkeeper Arizabalaga will miss the game due to the injury he picked up at the weekend, as revealed by the English manager himself in a major update.
Mateo Kovacic is also a doubt to play but no decision has been made at time of writing. In good news, however, Kalidou Koulibaly is fit to return to the team and could feature.
Chelsea Lineup Prediction
With the side having nothing to play for it’s possible we see some light rotation for this game.
GK: Edouard Mendy
CB: Trevoh Chalobah
CB: Kalidou Koulibaly
CB: Marc Cucurella
LWB: Ben Chilwell
CM: Conor Gallagher
CM: Jorginho
RWB: Ruben Loftus-Cheek
W: Hakim Ziyech
St: Armando Broja
W: Christian Pulisic
Armando Broja on his future: “New long term deal at Chelsea is massive opportunity for me and my family. This is my boyhood club”. 🔵 #CFC
“I want to keep trying to improve as a person and player. There is not many better clubs to learn than Chelsea”. pic.twitter.com/ePBJeTZnkE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 1, 2022
Current Odds: Chelsea vs Dinamo Zagreb
PaddyPower’s current odds place the home side as the heavy favourites with odds of 3/10 to come away with the win. Zagreb’s 17/2 is a risky bet that could pay off big, especially with the English giants having very little to play for.
