Chelsea
[Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face Vidi: Can the Blues maintain their winning momentum?
Predicted Chelsea line-up to face Vidi in the Europa League
Chelsea will be aiming to continue their resurgent form when they face Vidi in the Europa League away from home this Thursday.
After a disappointing loss at Wolves last week, the Blues hit back with a tremendous performance against Manchester City and won the game. That must have uplifted their confidence for the busy festive fixtures coming up.
Though Maurizio Sarri’s men are already through to the knockout round of this competition, keeping the momentum going would be key. They face a Vidi side who are currently second in the Hungarian top-flight league.
Team News
Mateo Kovacic had a slight injury issue against City and he went off before the final whistle. Other than that, Sarri doesn’t have a large list of injured players in his squad.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation – 4-3-3
Manager – Maurizio Sarri
Willy Caballero (GK)
The Argentine might get a start ahead of Kepa for this game as the latter could be rested.
Davide Zappascosta (RB)
The Italian usually starts the cup games and the same will be the case on Thursday, with Cesar Azpilicueta more than deserving a rest after shutting out Leroy Sane.
Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Dane also starts only in cup games on the evidence of the season thus far. We may see him in action on Thursday.
Gary Cahill (CB)
The veteran is way down the pecking order for the centre-back position. He has to contend with playing the cup games.
Emerson (LB)
The Brazilian is expected to start as we see Marcos Alonso getting a rest after tireless performance against the Cityzens.
Cesc Fabregas (CDM)
Jorginho is almost certain to get a game off on Thursday, hence, we could see Fabregas back in action at defensive midfield.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (LCM)
The Englishman has had a fine Europa League campaign so far and should continue to start in this competition.
Ross Barkley (RCM)
Barkley came off the bench against City and hence, he might get a nod from the start on Thursday.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)
The exciting young talent prospered the last time he played for Chelsea. He is expected to be given another chance on Thursday.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
The Frenchman was on the bench on Saturday but didn’t feature. He may start this game then.
Pedro
Pedro (RW)
The Spaniard was one of the shining stars in the team when they beat Manchester City. He is expected to keep his place at right wing.
Chelsea star Lauren James has opened up about the public scrutiny regarding her personality and the lazy labels often attached to her playing style. The England forward insists that her laid back nature is a reflection of her introverted character rather than a lack of professional desire.
The 24 year old has addressed the frequent misconceptions regarding her demeanour on and off the pitch. James has become one of the most recognisable figures in the women’s game, yet she admits that her naturally reserved personality is often misinterpreted by those who do not know her personally.
Care a Lot Despite Laid Back Character
“I’m very misunderstood. Because I’m such a laid back character, it can sometimes come across that I’m not bothered, but actually I care a lot. That is just the way I am,” said James in an interview with The Times. “Sometimes it’s great. Then other times there’s a lot of criticism, which can be about me as a person when they don’t know me.”
James hopes her transparency will help other introverted athletes feel comfortable in their own skin. “Hopefully, it inspires other girls that play football and are similar. They’re laid back, they’re introverts, they don’t like talking to everyone. Sometimes it can come across as arrogant, but actually, they don’t know how shy you are.”
Trying to Find Rhythm After Injuries
Despite her quiet off field presence, James remains incredibly ambitious on the pitch as she works her way back from a string of foot, calf, and hamstring issues. “I’m just trying to find the rhythm and get back my best. When you’ve had so many little injuries, it takes time to trust your body again. I’m starting to feel a lot more like myself again, and hopefully I can build on that.”
Chelsea face Manchester United in the Women’s League Cup final next weekend before their WSL clash against Brighton on March 18.
Also read: An Injury Setback For Izzy Atkinson as Sunderland Women Star’s Return Timeline Emerges
WWE wrestler Chelsea Green enjoyed the full Chelsea experience when she was the guest of honour at Stamford Bridge against Brentford last month. The former two time and inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion made her first trip to the stadium to watch the Blues beat the Bees 2-0.
The 34 year old watched on from the Dugout Club as Liam Rosenior’s men secured victory after goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Green, who has Chelsea roots in her family with her mother and extended family being British, also sent a congratulatory message to the west London outfit on Instagram following the Club World Cup triumph last summer.
Dove in Headfirst as Chelsea Fans Do
The former AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champion told talkSPORT, “I had the best time, I drank lots of champagne, I got a jersey. I really just like dove in headfirst as the Chelsea fans do.”
Green, who joined talkSPORT as part of WWE 2K26 Creator Fest, was speaking to ex Chelsea star Tony Cascarino on Weekend Breakfast. However, she broke the 63 year old’s heart by admitting she would not don his retro kit after being gifted a shirt by Blues ace Marc Cucurella.
I’m a Kuk’s Girl Right Now
On the prospect of wearing a Cascarino kit, Green replied: “I don’t think so. I feel like, I’m sorry, but I feel like I’m a Kuk’s girl right now.” This is brilliant loyalty from Green, who clearly understands the importance of supporting current players over legends from the past.
Chelsea Fan for Life
Green recently opened up on her connection with Chelsea that goes far beyond simply sharing a name. “I’ve been a Chelsea fan for life. My grandparents are British, my mum is British, my cousins and uncle are here, and I also lived in Devon when I was seven and eight years old,” she told the Blues’ website.
The Canadian born wrestler was gifted a custom Chelsea FC belt and a Cucurella shirt during her memorable first visit to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
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