This year’s surprise package Atletico Madrid entertain Chelsea at the Vicente Calderón. Simeone’s men are unbeaten in the Champions League so far and start as slight favorites in the semi-final clash. However, the all important second leg is to be played at Stamford Bridge which could be a telling factor in the tie.
Lets take a look at how the teams might line up…
Atletico Madrid
Simeone went with a 4-4-2 formation in the last game against Elche with David Villa and Diego Costa as the main strikers. Expect him to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation this time around with Diego Costa up front. Costa has had a really productive season so far scoring 27 goals in 32 matches.
Atletico’s key area is their workaholic midfield comprising of Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Arda Turan and Raul Garcia. Turan has been declared fit to face Chelsea after missing out last game due to a groin injury and may start behind Costa in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Koke and Garcia will start out wide with Gabi and Tiago playing as the holding midfielders.
In defense, Miranda and Diego Godin are expected to start, with Filipe Luis and Juanfran occupying the full back positions. Atletico have conceded just 22 goals in the league as their defense has been in good form.
Chelsea loanee Thiabaut Courtois has been cleared to play against his parent club.
Chelsea
Mourinho’s men scraped through the quarter finals stage after a late goal from Demba Ba. They will once again play without the services of Nemanja Matic and Mohammed Salah who are cup-tied.
In the 1st leg against PSG, a striker-less Chelsea struggled to test Sirigu, so either Fernando Torres or Demba Ba are expected to start. Torres played with real enthusiasm after coming on in the defeat against Sunderland and might get the nod over Demba Ba.
Chelsea’s top scorer Eden Hazard is likely to miss the game which means that Brazilian winger Willian will start on the left hand side. Andre Schurrle will occupy the right hand side with Oscar as the play-maker.
Mourinho might prefer David Luiz over Frank Lampard again as the Brazilian is is better equipped to handle Diego Costa. Ramires, who will miss the rest of the season if banned, will start along side Luiz.
In defense, it is very much likey that Mourinho will stick with John Terry and Gary Cahill in the centre with Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic occupying the full back positions.
Petr Cech missed the last game against Sunderland through illness and is expected to be fit for the upcoming clash.
Prediction
Last time these two sides met, Atletico ran out as comfortable winners after a 4-1 demolition courtesy a Radamel Falcao hattrick. Atletico have been in sumptuous form off late and it is likely that they will take a lead to Stamford Bridge.
Final score: Atletico 2-0 Chelsea
