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Preview: Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid

Chelsea host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Callum Owen previews the clash.

Last time out

Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid.
Oliver Giroud scores in the first leg. (Photo by Stefan Constantin/MB Media/Getty Images)

Last time out, in a tight, cagey affair the two sides were separated by an Oliver Giroud overhead kick.

Chelsea walked away 1-0 winners, taking an away goal back to the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

Form

Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid
Thomas Tuchel prior to Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea have been resurgent under Thomas Tuchel.

The sides last defeat came on January 19th, a 2-0 loss to Leicester that cost Frank Lampard his job.

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the league, a position that seemed unlikely when Tuchel was appointed.

Atletico sit atop of La Liga, with a four point gap to nearest challengers Barcelona.

Madrid are also unbeaten since their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea two weeks ago.

Team News

Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid
Will Diego Simeone mastermind an Atletico Madrid victory. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Chelsea are missing a host of key players for the clash.

Thiago Silva is yet to recover from a thigh issue, whilst striker Tammy Abraham is struggling with an ankle issue.

Additionally, Midfielders Mason Mount and Jorginho will miss the second leg due to suspension.

Atletico Madrid have no new injury concerns ahead of the clash.

Kieran Tripper returns from a 10-week suspension for breaching gambling rules.

Yannick Carrasco and Jose Gimenez return for the visitors, whilst Diego Simeone has confirmed Joao Felix will start for his side.

Prediction

Despite the advantage Chelsea hold, their backs will be against the wall.

With the injury concerns and suspensions, Chelsea will be a weakened side and Atletico will need to capitalise on this.

In typical Atletico Madrid style, expect this game to be cagey, however Atletico will need to attack to secure the goals they need to advance.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Aggregate: Chelsea 2-1 Atletico Madrid)

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