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Chelsea welcome Juventus to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for matchday five of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. The Blues will hope for revenge after losing 1-0 against the Bianconeri in Turin in September, with qualification for the last 16 almost secured.
They're currently only three points behind the Bianconeri, who've qualified for the Round of 16 with a 100% win record in Group H so far. Although the Serie A giants are already through to the next round, they cannot afford to slip up, as the fight for top spot in the group is still on.
Juventus have never beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, losing and drawing once apiece in their two previous visits to London. Could they get third time lucky?
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Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, here's look at how Chelsea and Juventus would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
Chelsea's goalkeeping woes following Thibaut Coutois' departure came at an expensive cost. But with Edouard Mendy now at the helm, those are behind them now.
The Senegalese custodian has been a bang for the buck since arriving from Rennes last year. He has consistently put in top-notch displays for The Blues between the sticks.
In 60 games across competitions, he has kept 35 clean sheets, while conceding only as many goals. That's an impressive record by all measures.
Mendy has also been beaten only once in the UEFA Champions League this season - in the 1-0 loss to Juventus few weeks ago. He will look for redemption on Tuesday.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Antonio Rudiger is having a fine campaign. The Chelsea defender has looked solid in defence while laying down a marker with his exceptional passing range.
The German is averaging nearly two tackles per game in the Champions League this season. He scored in the Premier League on Saturday, showing that he is a huge threat from set-pieces too.
Centre-back: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)
One of the best centre-backs of his generation, Leonardo Bonucci continues to go strong even at 34. The veteran Juventus centre-back shows immense spirit and determination in every game.
A solid tackler with excellent positional sense and aerial prowess, the Euro 2020 winner will look to shut Chelsea out again.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Another veteran defender currently in a rich vein of form is Thiago Silva. The Chelsea man has garnered immense plaudits for another rock-solid display on Saturday.
The grace and effortlessness with which he plays makes it difficult to believe he's 37. Thanks to his recent performances, the Brazilian star is now on the verge of extending his Chelsea contract, which expires next summer.
Right wing-back: Reece James (Chelsea)
With four goals and five assists in all competitions, Chelsea's Reece James is having the season of his life. He has made headlines for his world-class displays across competitions.
The 21-year-old has brought incredible dynamism and creativity to Chelsea's attack. Considering the same, Juventus' shaky defence could have a tough time dealing with his threat.
Defensive Midfielder: Jorginho (Chelsea)
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has allayed fears surrounding Jorginho's fitness. He has confirmed that Jorginho will be available for Tuesday. That comes as a massive boost for Chelsea, given the Euro 2020 winner's impeccable performance on Saturday.
The Italian was in inspired form against Leicester City, showing great composure to dictate play from the deep. The Blues will hope for more of the same against Juventus.
Defensive Midfielder: N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Another midfielder who hit all the right notes in the win over The Foxes was N'Golo Kante. The Frenchman once again shone through with his exemplary work rate and range of passing.
His ball-winning ability remain the Frenchman's biggest asset, and could be key in stopping Juventus in their tracks.
Left Wing-back: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea)
From seeing his first-team position come under threat to establishing himself among the best full-backs in the game, Ben Chilwell has turned things around in style.
He has struck thrice, and made one assist this season. Chilwell has displayed a frightening attacking potential, something Juventus will have to be wary of.
Attacking Midfielder: Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Federico Chiesa has bagged three goals and as many assists for Juventus this season. Most of them have come in the UEFA Champions League, showing his utility on big nights.
Chiesa struck the winner against Chelsea when the two sides met in September. His energy, dribbling skills, directness and eye for passing could be key for Juventus in opening up Chelsea again.
Striker: Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
It's not certain if Paulo Dybala will start, as he faces a race against time to be fit for this clash. Should he feature, Dybala could be a key presence for Juventus.
He has been Juventus' best player of the season, with six goals and four assists in all competitions. He could be a big test for Chelsea's stoic defence.
Striker: Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
With Romelu Lukaku still sidelined, and Timo Werner back in training, Tuchel may not throw Werner straight into the deep end. So there's a chance that Kai Havertz might start for Chelsea against the Bianconeri.
He has contributed only six goals in 17 games this season. But that's still the most in the squad after only Reece James. He will hope to finally get one over Juventus at the fourth time of asking.
