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Chelsea prepare for their biggest game since 2012 on Saturday when they take on Manchester City in the Champions League final.
Thomas Tuchel took over the club in January and has guided the side through a tough campaign, finishing fourth in the Premier League and losing in the FA Cup final to Leicester. He will look to put that disappointment behind him when they face Pep Guardiola’s winning machine.
The Blues already have a psychological edge, having beaten City in the FA cup semi-final and Premier League recently, but should Tuchel change it up or stick with a winning remedy? This is the team that the German should go with to win the biggest club trophy in the game.
Edouard Mendy (GK) – The worry among fans after his injury on the final day shows you how important he is to the team. If fit, he must start.
Andreas Christensen (CB) – The young Dane has been imperious in a back three this season and really grown into his role, so should start for his pace and on-ball ability.
Thiago Silva (CB) – Signed as a free transfer last year, Silva has brought great leadership and know-how to the squad and is vital to the system. Must start.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) – Brought in from the cold by Tuchel, Rudiger has been a stand-out option at the back and his physicality, aerial prowess and speed make him the total package.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) – The skipper has found himself moved out of centre-back and into a wing-back role in recent games and his defensive abilities will likely get him the nod over Reece James.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – An absolute unit of a midfielder, Kante is one of the most physically gifted players of his generation. Terrific energy to get up and down the pitch as well as great reading of the game, he’s a guaranteed starter if fit.
Jorginho (CM) – The Italian has been a key member of the team under Tuchel with his ability to pass the ball under pressure a key feature. That passing range could be key to set off counter-attacks, so he should start.
Ben Chilwell (LWB) – Chilwell has been excellent in his debut season with Chelsea and going forward has been a threat as much as he has been solid defensively. Great pace and one-on-one ability, he will start over Marcos Alonso.
Hakim Ziyech (RW) – Ziyech’s first season has been hot and cold. But the best moments have come with goals against City in the league and FA Cup semi-final, so he should get the chance to make it three times a charm in the Champions League final.
Mason Mount (LW) – Chelsea’s player of the year by a fair distance, Mount has been the stand-out player in terms of performances and his brilliance on the ball could be key to opening up City’s defence.
Timo Werner (ST) – Like Ziyech, Werner has struggled in his first season, but Werner’s pace as the striker has proven more than useful against City already this season and Tuchel would be bonkers not to use him there again.