Chelsea return to domestic action on Saturday evening, travelling to Middlesbrough for an FA Cup quarter-final clash.
Thomas Tuchel watched his men beat Lille 2-1 on Wednesday night, sealing their place in the last eight of the Champions League and securing a fifth successive victory in all competitions since losing the EFL Cup final to Liverpool last month.
FA Cup progression won't come easily, however, as they face a Middlesbrough side that has knocked Manchester United and Tottenham out already, while also going strong in the Championship. Here's how the visitors could shape up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Kepa Arrizabalaga should start here | Robin Jones/GettyImages
Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) - Should get the nod over first-choice Edouard Mendy for this cup tie.
Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Some slight rotation, as well as the forced absence of Andreas Christensen, should see Chalobah start this one.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - The German never seems to require a rest, and should be set to provide the experience at the heart of defence.
Malang Sarr (CB) - Has played in both rounds for Chelsea so far this term and, despite some dodgy moments at Luton last time out, should continue.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Hakim Ziyech could come back into the side for this one | Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Hakim Ziyech (RWB) - Reece James is a slight doubt to feature this Saturday, so we could see the Moroccan start on the right flank.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - N'Golo Kante wasn't great in midweek and, reverting to a midfield duo, Tuchel could opt for Kovacic.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM) - Should be given a starting role here - maybe a deeper role, too - having played so well at Luton in the previous round.
Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Ben Chilwell remains out and Callum Hudson-Odoi represents a doubt, so the Spaniard should be set to continue in the side.
3. Forwards
Struggling for goals | Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Mason Mount (RF) - One of Chelsea's best players after coming onto the field in midweek, Mount should come back into the starting XI for this FA Cup quarter-final.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - His only goal in domestic football in 2022 came in round five - let's hope for a second here.
Timo Werner (LF) - With one goal in 13 outings, Werner will do well to get through a defence that has proved too resolute for Spurs last time out.
Source : 90min