Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid : Preview and Predicted Lineup

Chelsea have been handed a massive defensive boost ahead of Champions League semifinal tie against Atletico Madrid after Skipper John Terry and Petr Cech both resumed training.

Petr Cech was substituted early in the first leg after he hurt his right arm while attempting to clear a corner. Mourinho later told the press that he will miss the rest of the season. John Terry was also withdrawn due to injury late in second half and was expected to miss the game. Both he players on Tuesday were present in the training.

Chelsea:

Team News:

Mourinho this weekend played his second string side against Liverpool and won 2-0 away at Anfield. Demba Ba and Willian scored the goal then and both might see their name on the bench as the Portugese Manager looks to play his full strength side in this must win game. Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o also resumed the training and will feature in the match. However, John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard will both miss the match due to suspension following second booking of knockout phase in last encounter. Mohamed Salah and Nemanja Matic are ineligible to feature as they played in the competition for their former clubs.

Predicted Lineup:

Cech: Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta: Luiz, Ramires: Willian, Oscar, Hazard: Eto’o

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Atletico Madrid:

Team News:

For Atletico Madrid, skipper Gabi will not be playing the game due to second booking in knockout stage and fellow Spaniard Mario Suarez is expected to replace him in the center of the midfield. Manager Diego Simeone has a fully fit squad to choose from and might play the same squad apart from that enforced change.

Predicted Lineup:

Courtois: Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis: Garcia, Tiago, Suarez, Koke: Diego: Costa

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Match Facts:

Atletico have not lost any of their champions league match this season while both Atletico and Chelsea have seen under 2.5 goals in their last six Champions league games. Mourinho has just 1 loss in his last 9 meetings against Atletico Madrid.

Prediction:

Mourinho has a fresh squad and on high after inspiring win over table toppers while Atletico are under huge pressure after dull finishing.

Chelsea 1-0 Atletico Madrid