Maurizio Sarri has chosen to hand starts to Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso as Chelsea take on Dynamo Kyiv in the Round of 16 UEFA Europa League tie.
In an unexpected choice, Maurizio Sarri has opted to field Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal for Thursday, meaning he could not be the one to start in the weekend match against . Davide Zappacosta is a part of the back four, as is Marcos Alonso. The Spaniard will be looking to perform his way back into being the first-choice left-back.
Andreas Christensen comes in central defence and David Luiz completes the back four.
.@DavidLuiz_4 captains the team tonight! ?ⓒ#CHEDYN pic.twitter.com/Ft6ldGkiHl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 7, 2019
In midfield, N’Golo Kante has been handed a rest, with Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic starting alongside Jorginho. Eden Hazard has also been rested. But, surprisingly, there is no start for Callum Hudson-Odoi, with Willian and Pedro both part of the front three.
Olivier Giroud starts upfront for Chelsea. The Frenchman has six goals so far in the Europa League this term and will be looking to add to his tally. Gonzalo Higuain is on the bench, as are the other rested stars.
