Real Madrid – Chelsea: Preview and Highest Odds

The big news from the Real Madrid camp is that Eden Hazard is fit and raring to go after coming off the bench against Betis, but with the former Chelsea man struggling so much with injuries since moving to the Bernabeu, Zidane may not risk him from the off. However, one alteration in attack could see the hero of the hour against Liverpool – Vinicius – replace Rodrygo out wide, as he did after 59 minutes in the weekend’s draw with Betis. Toni Kroos has been struggling with muscular discomfort but should return for the first leg to form a familiar midfield with Casemiro and Luka Modric, which would see Isco drop down to the bench. Federico Valverde remains in isolation after testing positive for coronavirus, and Zidane could make do without three defenders as Sergio Ramos (calf), Lucas Vazquez (knee) and Ferland Mendy (calf) keep each other company in the treatment room, although the latter may be available for this tie. The hosts have been boosted by the recent returns of Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane, though, and Nacho Fernandez will hope to keep his spot at left-back over Marcelo. While Hazard and Thibaut Courtois look to influence the game against their former club, Mateo Kovacic will not be reuniting with his former Blancos teammates, as Tuchel has confirmed that a hamstring injury will keep the midfielder out of the first leg. Aside from the ex-Real Madrid lynchpin, Chelsea have no other injury or suspension concerns for the first leg, as Thiago Silva managed to come through the clash at the London Stadium unscathed following careful management by Tuchel. Silva should hope to form a familiar back three with Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger, and should the Spaniard be pushed further back, Andreas Christensen could drop out as Reece James returns on the right. Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will continue to man the engine room in Kovacic’s absence, but competition for places in Tuchel’s front three could hardly be greater. Mason Mount has established himself as a regular fixture in Tuchel’s first XI, and Werner will not want to be dropped after ending his goal drought, but Kai Havertz could lead the line as Christian Pulisic makes way.