Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1) vs Atletico Madrid, Kante and Werner start

Chelsea are scheduled to take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie tonight.

The Blues are on an eight-match unbeaten run and will be aiming to get the better of the Spanish outfit for the third occasion in seven meetings.

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Predicted Line-up:

Edouard Mendy is the Blues' number one goalkeeper and the same was reaffirmed by manager Thomas Tuchel last week. He is expected to start between the sticks.

The backline should remain the same with Thiago Silva still out. He is working on his fitness after recovering from a thigh issue. Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma should make up the central defence.

At right wing-back, Reece James should get the pick over Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was criticised by Tuchel last weekend for his unimpressive display off the bench which saw him substituted after just 30 minutes.

On the opposite end, Ben Chilwell may feature ahead of Marcos Alonso, who struggled to make his mark against the Saints on Saturday. He was dispossessed as many as 19 times.

Jorginho should return to the midfield for this game. He is likely to be partnered by N'Golo Kante, who has shown signs of returning to his best after an untimely hamstring injury.

Mason Mount and Timo Werner are expected to keep their places behind the main striker. Mount helped the Blues draw against the Saints last weekend after winning and converting a penalty.

Olivier Giroud may lead the line ahead of Tammy Abraham, who had a below-par first-half display against the Saints. Giroud scored in his previous appearance for the Blues which came against Newcastle United.

Predicted Chelsea line-up: Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell; Mason Mount, Timo Werner; Olivier Giroud.