Real Madrid vs. Chelsea team news, projected XIs: N’Golo Kante, Thiago Silva return for Frank Lampard

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By Webdesk



N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva were among the veterans who participated in training on Tuesday Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard a welcome boost as he prepares for his second game in charge.

The Lampard side is an overwhelming underdog for them Champions League quarterfinal with Real Madrid but the potential presence of two European champions in his side, who were both standouts when Chelsea won the league in 2021, could make the Blues’ task much more enjoyable. Kante played no part in Saturday’s defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but that was a decision made with a view to playing against Real Madrid. Silva, meanwhile, has been sidelined since a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in February due to ankle ligament problems.

Adding to their options could also be Mason Mount, who has been training after being unable to play since February with a pelvic problem, although the England international has since been included in match squads. Cesar Azpilicueta is also training but Chelsea have been cautious about involving him since he suffered a serious head injury against Southampton.

After being in charge alone before the defeat to Wolves, it remains to be seen whether Lampard will opt for the back four he used in that game or return to the three-man defense that has often looked like the best system for Chelsea since Thomas. Tuchel was appointed as his successor. In his first period in charge, Lampard preferred to play Kante in the starting line-up of defence, but the Frenchman often looks his best for a deep-lying playmaker.

There are no questions about system or even personnel for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid. Only Ferland Mendy and edge striker Mariano Diaz were missing from training on Tuesday, although the latter was fit enough to be included in the match selection. There are options to step into Mendy’s left back spot, including David Alaba, Nacho and Edouard Camavinga. Ancelotti has hinted he could pick the same side that beat Barcelona 4-0 midway through the week.

“It’s important to first remember that it’s a 180-minute game and try to play well [Wednesday]”said Real Madrid’s head coach. “This game is not decisive, but it could give us an advantage going into the second leg. The team feels good, optimistic and motivated to play in the Champions League again and see another magical evening at the Bernabeu. It’s a different way of thinking than the other Champions League games we’ve played in the past. We need to take advantage of playing the first game at home to take the lead for the decider.

“We will try to play a well-rounded game, defend well, better than against Villarreal on Saturday, and attack if possible as we did at Camp Nou in the second leg of the Cup semi-final.”

Predicted Setups

Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Tchouameni, Modric, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.

Chelsea: Kepa; James, Fofana, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Sterling, Havertz, Joao Felix





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