Chelsea
Sarri unveils Giroud, Pedro as starters for Europa League tie
It would be a mere formality for Chelsea as the UEFA Europa League resumes across after the long international break.
The Blues will welcome PAOK to Stamford Bridge in a game which is not so important as the Blues have secured qualifications already and in that light, the coach has expressed that it was a perfect opportunity to rotate his team and give some players a well-deserved break.
Maurizio Sarri’s side are coming off the back of their first defeat of the season to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, but the Italian is still set on other members of the squad getting a chance to prove what they can do.
In the pre-match interview, the coach was asked if he is still going to make changes despite the defeat to Spurs, and in his response, the coach said he would do so because of our business the month of December was in the English premier league as they would have ten matches to play.
He also acknowledged that there would be a huge change in personnel, it means that the back-up back four are set to play ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Cesc Fabregas also set to come in for Jorginho in the midfield position.
Up front Olivier Giroud is looking to add to his three goals in four games with the Frenchman finally hitting a bit of form in front of goal.
However Real Madrid target and Belgian star Eden Hazard won’t be in the squad as he would be getting a rest after picking up an ankle injury at Wembley at the weekend.
Predicted Chelsea team: Kepa, Emerson, Cahill, Christensen, Zappacosta, Fabregas, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Willian, Pedro and Giroud.
