How Chelsea could line up in Champions League clash vs Benfica (4-2-3-1) | OneFootball

Chelsea are hoping to end their dip in form before it becomes a full-blown crisis when they host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Blues have hit a rough patch, winning just one of their last five games in all competitions (D1, L3).

Their most recent defeat came in a 3-1 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge. Trevoh Chalobah’s 53rd-minute dismissal handed the Seagulls the initiative.

Chelsea have struggled with disciplinary issues over the past couple of weeks.

They’ve had a player sent off in back-to-back Premier League games, but manager Enzo Maresca has played down talks of any pressure building behind the scenes.

He will be hoping his side can improve on that front and get back to winning ways.

How Chelsea could line up

Maresca might be tempted to shuffle the pack for the upcoming game against Benfica.

Chalobah was sent off against Brighton and will miss next weekend’s game against Liverpool.

However, he’s eligible to play in the Champions League and should retain his place in the starting XI, with Robert Sanchez in goal.

Chalobah will likely anchor the backline alongside Josh Acheampong, who hasn’t started a game for the Blues since August.

Malo Gusto could step in for captain Reece James, with Marc Cucurella starting at left back.

Benoit Badiashile marked his return from injury against Brighton, but could be eased back into action to avoid another relapse.

Maresca confirmed that Moises Caicedo will need to be evaluated before the game. He is carrying a knock.

While he was involved in training, he could be handed a breather with Romeo Lavia stepping into the defensive midfield role alongside Enzo Fernandez.

Alejandro Garnacho could finally make his full debut for the Blues, joined by Estevao in the number ten role and Pedro Neto on the right flank.

Joao Pedro will need to pass a late fitness test, but academy graduate Tyrique George could step in for the Brazilian if required.