- Chelsea visit PAOK in Greece for Europa League group game.
- TalkChelsea predict Maurizio Sarri’s starting eleven for the game.
- READ MORE: Chelsea set to enter contract talks with defender
Chelsea take on PAOK on Thursday evening as the Blues get their Europa League campaign underway.
Let’s be honest, this isn’t the competition that any of us wanted to be playing in this season, but it offers an avenue back into the Champions League, so we ought to take it seriously.
Chelsea have also been drawn in what is, on paper, a straightforward group. BATE, PAOK and Videoton are all that stands between us and the knockout stages of the competition.
The low standard of opposition provides Maurizio Sarri with a chance to shuffle his pack ahead of the tougher tests that lie in wake. He can also give our younger players, such as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu, a chance to shine.
That’s exactly what we believe he will do on Thursday night as Chelsea take on PAOK. We visit the London Stadium to face West Ham United at the weekend, which could be a banana skin hindering our progression.
We predict that Sarri will rest several key players for our trip to Greece, and our starting eleven will look something like this.
Do you agree with us, Blues? Sarri was renown for his lack of rotation at Napoli, but the tougher schedule that he faces at Stamford Bridge may force a change in strategy.
Let us know what you think in the comments!