With the Super League fun all over (for now), Chelsea can focus themselves on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
Buoyed by the 1-0 win over West Ham last time out, Chelsea come into this one feeling confident, but beating a Real side who have not lost a game since January will be one of Thomas Tuchel’s toughest tests yet.
Here’s how the boss should set up.
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The Real Madrid team that should start against Real Betis
A look at the Real Madrid team that should start against Real Betis in La Liga this weekend as they look to put pressure on leaders Atletico Madrid.
Edouard Mendy (GK) – Kepa has had a few chances, but Mendy remains number one and will start a game of this magnitude.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) – Deployed as a wing-back last time out, Azpilicueta can return to the central role in which he has excelled under Tuchel.
Thiago Silva (CB) – Silva is back in the team after some injury and suspension fun, and his experience could be vital in dealing with Karim Benzema.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – Probably Chelsea‘s best defender under Tuchel? The Dane has been unreal over the past few months and can bring sky-high confidence into this one.
Reece James (RM) – Rested for the West Ham win, James will need all the energy he can find if he is to deal with Vinicius Junior.
Jorginho (CM) – With Mateo Kovacic still unavailable, there will be no rest for Jorginho. Fortunately, he’s playing incredibly well and will hope to keep that momentum going.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – Forcing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos into making mistakes is never easy, but if anyone can do it, it’s Kante.
Ben Chilwell (LM) – One of Chelsea’s best players in recent weeks, Chilwell deserves to retain his spot in the starting lineup. He’s been one of the few players who actually looks like he wants to create a goal.
Mason Mount (AM) – The first name on the team sheet and it’s not even close. Mount has been phenomenal for Chelsea all season and is only growing in importance.
Timo Werner (AM) – He might not have hit the heights of his Leipzig days, but Chelsea score more goals with Werner on the pitch than without. He makes them dangerous.
Kai Havertz (ST) – Rested against West Ham, Havertz will hope to come back with a bang for this one. The German is flashing glimpses of his sky-high potential and could take things to a new level if he can shine against Real.
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