Andreas Christensen
Chelsea’s talented young Danish central defender celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday and is set to start tonight in Prague.
The youngster said how important the Europa League has been to his prospects this season – where he has made 10 starts, while he has made only four in the Premier League.
The cool, skilful defender has said he is determined to fight for his place and wants to stay – and it is in Europe where he has confirmed his class.
Olivier Giroud
Chelsea’s Europa League specialist.
Nine goals in the Europa League have made him the top scorer in the competition this season.
The big Frenchman has said that he does not want to play second fiddle to Gonzalo Higuain, and was in fact picked ahead of the Argentine for the home win over Brighton.
Another goal in the Czech Republic tonight will only strengthen his case.
Mateo Kovacic
The skilful little Croatian is highly rated by manager Maurizio Sarri, but he has seen his position threatened lately by some good displays by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Kovacic has said he wants his loan spell from Real Madrid made permanent in the summer, and Sarri has said he wants the midfielder to stay.
But though there have been 30 starts and some promising moments, there has been worryingly little end product, and no goals.
Loftus-Cheek has netted two goals in his last three games, and is piling on the pressure.
Maurizio Sarri’s view
The Chelsea boss believes Slavia Prague will provide a tough test for his side.
“We need to be very compact and to defend very well,” said Sarri.
“Especially on crosses because they attack the box with five or six players, and they are dangerous on counter-attacks.
“They scored six goals in two matches against Sevilla and it won’t be easy for us.”
