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Chelsea team news: Predicted Chelsea line up vs BATE – Eden Hazard out, eight changes
CHELSEA manager Maurizio Sarri is likely to rest a number of his key players for the Europa League clash with BATE Borisov at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (8pm).
Eden Hazard says he is the 'best player' in the world
Chelsea are set to make a number of changes to their starting XI ahead of this week’s Europa League clash with BATE Borisov.
The Blues are currently top of Group L with two wins from two matches ahead of their meeting with the Belarussian champions.
Manager Maurizio Sarri is expected to heavily rotate his squad following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, during which Eden Hazard picked up a minor back injury.
The Belgian was targeted by some hefty challenges during the first half of the match and subsequently complained of back pain which could rule him out of Chelsea’s next match.
Pedro is likely to replace the 27-year-old out wide, with Willian stationed on the other flank.
Alvaro Morata should continue up front as he desperately searches for form, having scored just three goals this season, although Sarri may opt for the more robust Olivier Giroud in attack.
The Italian manager is likely to field a similar line-up to the team which secured a 1-0 victory over MOL Vidi in their previous Europa League match.
That would mean recalls for Davide Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri in the full-back roles while Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen will start in central defence.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho should be given a well-earned rest with Cesc Fabregas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek set to take their spots in midfield.
Danny Drinkwater and Victor Moses are still out of favour at Stamford Bridge so Ross Barkley could be given the nod over Mateo Kovacic after his goal-scoring cameo against United.
The former Everton midfielder now has two goals and an assist in his last two Premier League appearances and will be hoping for a rare start.
Ethan Ampadu is sidelined with a knee injury sustained during Wales’ 4-1 friendly defeat to Spain earlier this month while Callum Hudson-Odoi is also out.