Chelsea return to Champions League action this Tuesday as they bid to return to winning ways after three games without a victory in all competitions.
The match will take place at the New Balance Arena on Tuesday 9th December at 8pm, and will be broadcast in the UK on TNT Sports 2.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Atalanta
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Caicedo, James; Estevao, Fernandez, Gittens; Joao Pedro.
Chelsea had to make do with a 0-0 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday, extending their winless run to three matches.
This result saw the Blues end the weekend sitting fifth in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
A clash against Atalanta gives Enzo Maresca the perfect chance to get things right. Chelsea are well on track for a place in the knockout stages of the competition, winning three of their opening five games thus far.
One of those wins came against Barcelona and the Stamford Bridge side are just five points behind the Gunners in the 36-team table.
Chelsea team news vs Atalanta
Liam Delap had to be substituted against Bournemouth due to a suspected dislocated shoulder, which will likely rule him out for a few weeks at the least.
Cole Palmer returned to the starting XI following his own injury problems, but is expected to miss the trip to Atalanta. Enzo Fernandez will therefore move into the number ten role as Palmer gets some more rest.
Moises Caicedo is in the midst of a domestic suspension after being sent off against Arsenal at the end of November. He will miss the Premier League game against Everton on Saturday, but will be eligible for this Champions League match.
Maresca could make a few changes to his attacking options, bringing in Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao into the starting XI.
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Chelsea must replicate Barcelona performance
Last time out in Europe’s premier club competition, Barcelona left Stamford Bridge shellshocked after conceding three goals.
It was arguably one of the club’s finest performances under Maresca and another display like that will surely see three points being won on the night.
Estevao was the star of the show against the Catalan giants, scoring Chelsea’s second goal of the evening and there is no doubt the Brazilian is going right to the very top.
He was dropped to the bench against the Cherries on the weekend, making just a 13-minute cameo as the clock began to wind down.
Since arriving in London, the youngster has already found the back of the net on five occasions while also registering a solitary assist.
His effort against Barcelona was his third in as many games in the Champions League. Estevao’s freshness heading into this match could be a big advantage for
the Blues.
Should he be unleashed from the first whistle, the 18-year-old could terrorise a La Dea defence which has conceded 22 goals this season already.
