When is Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea going to be played?
Madrid vs Chelsea going to be played on Wednesday, 24th February 2021, 1.30 AM IST
Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea going to be played at National Arena, Bucharest
Atletico will be without the services of key defender Jose Gimenez, who limped off the field against Levante in La Liga on Saturday having suffered a recurrence of a muscular problem.
Stefan Savic missed the league contest through suspension but should replace Gimenez in the starting XI for this game, joining Mario Hermoso and Felipe in a defensive position.
The La Liga outfit will also be without Yannick Carrasco, who has a muscular issue, while Sime Vrsaljko has lost his battle to prove his fitness, with neither player in the squad.
Hector Herrera is also unavailable following a recent positive coronavirus test, but Luis Suarez and Joao Felix are both available and should start in the final third of the field.
Thiago Silva again missed out against Southampton on Saturday due to a muscular problem, and Tuchel has confirmed that the veteran centre-back will not be available for this game either.
Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic have both travelled following recent issues, though, while Tammy Abraham is available, having overcome an ankle injury to lead the line against Southampton.
Tuchel is not expected to make many changes from the side that lined up at St Mary’s, with Timo Werner and Mason Mount again likely to support Abraham through the middle.
N’Golo Kante could get the nod over Mateo Kovacic alongside Jorginho, while Marcos Alonso could again keep out Ben Chilwell, with the Spaniard working his way back into the side under Tuchel.
Atletico will be desperate to secure a first-leg advantage ahead of a trip to London next month, and we can see the La Liga leaders edging a tight game. Chelsea are yet to ignite in the final third of the field since the change of manager, and we are finding it difficult to back the Premier League side to triumph, but a 2-1 defeat, securing a vital away goal in the process, would leave the contest delicately poised.
Prediction: ATLETICO MADRID 2-1 CHELSEA