Chelsea XI vs Napoli – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·28 January 2026

Chelsea XI vs Napoli – Predicted lineup and team news

Chelsea travel to Naples on Wednesday, aiming to secure an automatic spot in the Champions League Round of 16.

Liam Rosenior’s side has moved into eighth place following a string of impressive domestic and European performances. The Blues recently thrashed Crystal Palace 3–1 to regain momentum in the Premier League. Now, they face a historically difficult trip to Italy, where they have lost six of their last seven away games. A victory would guarantee a seeded spot and allow the club to avoid the February play-off round.

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Chelsea Team News

The visitors receive a massive boost with the return of their leading creative talisman. Notably, Cole Palmer has travelled with the squad after missing the weekend win due to thigh tightness. Goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen is also back in contention after a positive scan on the injury he sustained against Pafos. Consequently, Rosenior has a significantly stronger squad available for this crucial European finale.

Robert Sánchez is expected to keep his place in goal despite Jørgensen’s return to the squad. Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are likely to anchor the defence in the absence of Levi Colwill. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo will look to maintain his incredible passing accuracy under high pressure. Estêvão Willian and Alejandro Garnacho should provide the width for an attack led by João Pedro.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup

Chelsea predicted XI: Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Estêvão, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro

When will the match kick off?

The Champions League league-phase fixture takes place at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.