Chelsea travel to the Czech Republic to take on Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final this Thursday, as Maurizio Sarri looks to build on a steadily impressive recent run of form.
With three wins from three, Chelsea have racked up their longest winning run since the opening five games of the season – which is perhaps a comment more so on their disappointing form since the turn of the year than anything else.
Nonetheless, the Blues will be going into Thursday’s game confident of pulling off a result against the competition’s surprise package this season.
Slavia made it through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup during the 1995-96 campaign, and they have overcome the odds to leave themselves in the last eight on this occasion.
Former Blues forward Miroslav Stoch has been in impressive form for the Czech outfit and will be relishing the opportunity to face his former employers.
With Liverpool to come just days later in the league, Sarri may well be prone to fielding a rotated side on Thursday, as he looks to keep his star players fit.
Here’s who we think will start.
