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Chelsea team news vs Dynamo Kiev: Predicted line up – Sarri reveals Hudson-Odoi dilemma
MAURIZIO SARRI has hinted that Callum Hudson-Odoi will be overlooked again when Chelsea face Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League tonight (8pm).
Chelsea are back in European action this evening when Dynamo Kiev are the visitors to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Manager Maurizio Sarri is expected to make a number of changes from the team that beat Fulham 2-1 at the weekend as he looks to keep his squad fresh.
However, it appears that Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to be overlooked once again despite having impressed in cup competitions so far this season.
When asked if the teenager will play against Kiev, Sarri said: “Callum is always in my mind, I don’t know if tomorrow he will be on the pitch.
“I think you have to put less pressure on the young English player as they have to improve.
“I have not seen a player of 18 at the top, Callum the same as others needs to improve.
“It is very important that, and then he will be able to be at the top when he is 22 or 23. You put too much pressure on the English young players.
Sarri’s comments suggest Hudson-Odoi will be left out of the starting XI yet again in favour of Pedro or Willian.
Chelsea fans have been calling for the 18-year-old’s introduction all season, with the forward having scored two goals and provided one assist from six Europa League appearances.
However, a recent upturn in results with wins over Tottenham and Fulham has eased the pressure on Sarri and given him some more time to continue with his preferred starting XI.
Chelsea have no injuries to report so Marcos Alonso and David Luiz – who were both rested at the weekend – are likely to come back into the side for Emerson Palmieri and Antonio Rudiger or Andreas Christensen respectively.
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic or Ruben Loftus-Cheek will replace Ross Barkley, Olivier Giroud should come in for Gonzalo Higuain and Eden Hazard be given a much-needed rest.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Dynamo Kiev
(4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Christensen, Alonso; Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic; Pedro, Hazard, Giroud