Predicted Chelsea line-up (3-4-1-2) vs Real Madrid, Reece James returns

Chelsea face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tonight.

The Blues suffered a 3-1 loss in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, but still have a chance of overturning the deficit with the away-goal rule scrapped.

They will go into the game with plenty of optimism after a stunning 6-0 Premier League win over Southampton on the road last weekend.

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Predicted Line-up:

Edouard Mendy had a poor outing in the reverse leg. His poor pass contributed to Karim Benzema's hat-trick goal. Despite this, he was backed to start against the Saints, and should keep his place tonight.

Cesar Azpilicueta is available after a bout of coronavirus, but Thomas Tuchel may stick with the same central defensive partnership from the weekend. Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva are widely expected to make the back three.

Reece James is expected to return at right wing-back, having come off the bench at the weekend. The England star is being handled with caution after his recent return from a knee injury. On the opposite end, Marcos Alonso should be an assured starter after a promising display at St Mary's, capped with the opening goal.

In midfield, Tuchel may not tinker his combination from the Saints game. Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante were solid in the centre of the park, and may continue as the midfield pairing ahead of Jorginho. The Italian has three assists from his last three appearances, but Kovacic may offer more defensive solidity.

In attack, no changes are expected. Mason Mount is an undisputed starter in the number 10 role. He showed his class at the weekend with one goal and two assists. In front of him, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz should lead the line. Werner was superb against the Saints with two goals while hitting the woodwork thrice.

Predicted Chelsea line-up (3-4-1-2): Edouard Mendy; Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger; Reece James, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Mason Mount; Timo Werner, Kai Havertz.