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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lewis Pangratiou

Two ways Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea can line up for Premier League clash with Leicester

Chelsea will be eager to bounce back from the club's third successive defeat in the FA Cup final against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.

After securing their place in the Champions League, the Blues can make sure that they finish in third place with a win over the Foxes - or likely draw, given their far superior goal difference over fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Thomas Tuchel's side head into the clash having suffered a handful of injuries against Liverpool, with stalwarts Kai Havertz and Timo Werner pulled from proceedings, whilst Thiago Silva also suffered from a battle with cramp in extra-time. Mateo Kovacic has also been ruled out with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen, who pulled out of the FA Cup final squad on the morning of the game, is a doubt for the clash with Leicester.

READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Lewandowski blow, Hazard update, Dybala boost, Barcelona talks

Tuchel confirmed as much when speaking to football.london on Wednesday: "I'm not sure yet if he is involved tomorrow or on the weekend. Andreas came in the morning of the match to inform me, to speak to me. He told me he was not ready to play the match, to start the match and be on the bench. He had his reasons. They stay private and confidential."

With all that in mind, let's take a look at two ways they could line up against Brendan Rodgers' side.

Kovacic being the only change

The side Tuchel fielded against the Reds is likely to be fit on Thursday, except from Kovacic who has not trained this week due to a swollen ankle. If the German feels too many changes aren't necessary, he may wish to name a side similar to the one he fielded on Saturday as he searches for three more Premier League points.

3-4-2-1: Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic, Lukaku.

Rotation

As it's a midweek game and the Blues are still recovering from a gruelling defeat on penalties, Tuchel may want to rotate his team, even this late into the season. If that's the case, we can probably expect the midfield and attack to change slightly, whilst 37-year-old Silva may be rested for their final game of the season against Watford on Sunday.

3-4-2-1: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Sarr; James, Loftus-Cheek, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Ziyech, Lukaku.

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