Antonio Conte has thrown another curveball, benching both Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata for Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League match against Barcelona.
Tipped to do so in the preview, Conte has surprised with his starting eleven. The manager has left Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata on the bench, with Eden Hazard starting in a False Nine role.
Team to face Barcelona: Courtois; Azpilicueta (c), Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Hazard, Pedro.
Subs: Caballero, Cahill, Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Hudson-Odoi, Giroud, Morata. #CHEBAR pic.twitter.com/lzHoGYN626
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 20, 2018
In another interesting choice, Conte has chosen to start Antonio Rudiger ahead of Gary Cahill at the back.