Champions League team news and prediction: Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid
With the last two quarter-final spots left up for grabs, Chelsea hold a slender advantage after their 1-0 win over Atletico in Bucharest. Atletico are not to be completely ruled out at this stage, however, and they have the means to at least score in the capital.
Here we run through the necessary pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the match, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Wednesday 17th March, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Stamford Bridge, London
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 2 / BT Sport Ultimate
In what was a hard-fought affair Bucharest, Chelsea edged out Atletico Madrid courtesy of Olivier Giroud's superb second half strike. The Frenchman broke the deadlock with a fine bicycle kick as the Blues earned a narrow first leg advantage away from home. Chelsea could have won by more were in not for Jan Oblak between the sticks.
The Atletico shotstopper could do little to deny Giroud from scoring, but produced four saves in all to keep Los Colchoneros in the tie. Oblak will hope his efforts weren't in vein as they seek to overcome the one-goal deficit and book a spot in the next round of the Champions League.
Team News
Thomas Tuchel has two key absences to contend with ahead of tonight's second leg tie. Both Jorginho and Mason Mount were booked in the return leg and are suspended for the welcome of Atletico Madrid, which is a huge blow for Tuchel. N'Golo Kante is expected to deputise for the former, while Hakim Ziyech may come in for the latter. Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham remain injury concerns.
Following Jose Gimenez's return to action at the weekend, Diego Simeone has no injury or suspension concerns and the Uruguayan's availability is a boost for the Argentine. Kieran Trippier missed the first leg as he was banned, yet is set to start at right-back for Atletico. Simeone has used a four-man defence in recent weeks and is expected to continue with that setup tonight.
Probable XIs
Chelsea (3421) - Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Werner, Ziyech; Giroud
Atletico Madrid (4141) - Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Koke; Felix, Llorente, Niguez, Carrasco; Suarez
Key Battle: Reece James vs Kieran Trippier
With the international break looming, Gareth Southgate will see two right wing-back options in action at Stamford Bridge tonight. Reece James may have been one of the first names on the team sheet when Frank Lampard was Chelsea boss, but Thomas Tuchel elected to use Callum Hudson-Odoi in the position following his appointment. In recent weeks, though, James has begun to force his way back into Tuchel's plans and will look to prove his credentials on home turf.
Atletico Madrid missed Kieran Trippier's creative input during his suspension, but his return is a timely boost. Trippier missed the first leg due to suspension and is keen to make up for lost time and if he has the space to pick out a teammate, Chelsea could be in trouble. At the very least, the England international will hope to enjoy a better return to Stamford Bridge having netted an own goal on his last appearance in west London.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 0-0 Atletico Madrid
